MEDPOL: A new economic governance framework supporting social investments and reforms to achieve fair growth and competitiveness

On Wednesday 8 November 2023, SGI Europe addressed the meeting of the Macro-Economic Dialogue at Political Level (MEDPOL). The meeting brought together, amongst others, Christine Lagarde (ECB President), Nadia Calviño (Spanish Minister of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation), Nicolas Schmit (European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights), Paschal Donohoe (Eurogroup President), and social partners, with a focus on the reforms and investments to address the skills gaps and labour shortages.

On this occasion, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secertary, said:

“One of the greatest bottlenecks in adult learning remains the fragmentation and lack of a coherent governance framework. Many systems still exist without evidence of mechanisms for coordination or partnership between training providers and social partners. Those are however essential to tailor the design and implementation of VET curricula.”

“Education and training reforms and investments must become a priority area for all Member States, and we strongly call for such reforms and investments to never be threatened in the future. Agreeing, ahead of the EU elections, on the new rules for the EU economic governance must remain a priority to reach that goal.”

“While the new rules must focus on debt sustainability, they must permanently move away from one-size-fits-all unidimensional debt reduction and focus on Member States specific challenges. An economic governance framework adapted to the heterogeneity of Member States’ fiscal positions, public debt challenges and other vulnerabilities, is crucial to respond to our employment objectives by integrating and promoting social investments and reforms, and achieving a sustainable path toward fair growth and competitiveness.”