The realization of the new president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker – that the millions of unemployed constitute the 29th EU member-state and that it should cease to exist – is a clear message about the priorities that the new European leadership must have. We must take generous growth initiatives, as it is the only realistic option to limit unemployment.
If Juncker’s plan for investments of 300 billion euros over the next years is implemented, in conjunction with the introduction of the minimum social wage, then the millions of unemployed Europeans will be able to catch their breath. Especially in countries that have been greatly affected by the crisis, such as Greece where there is a 30% unemployment rate and a significant portion of the rest are underemployed and badly-paid, these proposals – if implemented – can have a meaningful impact on today’s dramatic situation.
Unfortunately though, the will of the new European Commission president is not enough to change today’s policy, which is based on the doctrine of perpetual austerity. The dominant political forces, mainly Germany, must agree to a more robust policy. The dissatisfaction expressed in many countries in the recent elections was a clear message that Europe cannot carry on by being indifferent and ignoring its citizens.
However, the tight national interests continue to persevere against the general interests of the European unification. It is encouraging that there are many more leaderships that are pressing for a more realistic and social policy. Juncker’s tactics seem to facilitate and approach such a direction. All that remains to be seen is if the countries of the North, especially Germany, will go along with this train of thought, or at least not subvert it, as up until now they have argued in the name of stability that the road to growth necessitates austerity…
TO VIMA
