This spring, the EU’s strategy for growth and employment, known as the Lisbon Strategy, is up for renewal. Participants from all over the EU will gather in Göteborg for a two-day conference on the theme “Growing together for a sustainable Europe”, discussing the role of local and regional actors. In her opening speech, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström emphasised the important role that can be played by municipalities and regions.

Since 2000, the Lisbon Strategy has been the common EU framework for growth and jobs. When the strategy was launched, the goal was for the EU to be the world’s most competitive economy by 2010.

“It is now time to take our joint efforts in the EU for sustainable growth to a new level”, said Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström in her opening speech at the conference.

Local and regional differences

She raised the fact that while the Lisbon Strategy has been successful in many areas, it has been less so in others. Some areas have seen significant reform, but substantial disparities remain between different policy areas and between countries and regions.

“On an EU-level we can live up to the ambition on an internal market and competition on equal terms, benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises all over the Union. On a national level we can lay the foundations for good conditions encouraging an innovative and enterprise-friendly climate as well as well-functioning labour markets. But it is only by having regional and local goals that we can take measures adapted to local variations and opportunities, giving all regions the opportunity to develop their own strengths and contributing to the common good.”

Some 160 participants will gather at the conference taking place in Göteborg on 10–11 November. They include representatives of governments, regions and municipalities from 26 countries as well as European and national organisations. Hosting the conference will be Anders Knape, President of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions and Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström, representing the Swedish EU Presidency.

EU ministers to continue discussions

At the Council meeting in Brussels next week, on 16–17 November, the EU ministers will continue discussions on the work to develop a new strategy for sustainable growth and employment. When the heads of state and government meet at the EU summit in December, they are expected to adopt conclusions on the continued work and at a later date, the European Commission is expected to present a proposal on the new strategy.