The EU is currently battling with the most severe crisis in its recent history. The social consequences for European citizens are dramatic. The European Union has put in place a series of initiatives to try to curb public deficits, commonly referred to as austerity measures. The solutions currently proposed - a policy mix of spending cuts, raising taxes and structural reforms - are exacerbating the crisis. What will the social consequences be if Europe continues down this path? On the eve of the June European Summit, the Greens/EFA Group will propose an alternative to austerity - a proposal on how to create prosperity and jobs without hitting on people most at risk. Join us for a lively discussion with European Commissioners Olli Rehn (Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro), László Andor (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) and several other high-level speakers.

 

09.00 - 09.30: Registration

09.30 - 09.45: Opening and Introduction Elisabeth Schroedter MEP

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Part I - Social impact of the crisis: Analysis, expertise and outlook

Chair: Jean Lambert MEP

09.45 - 10.45: Overall Context

- Guillaume Duval (Editor Alternatives économiques) - Links between economic and social impacts

- Pascale Vielle (UCL) - Social law and Crisis

10.40 - 11.40: What does it mean on the ground?

- Edward Hugh (Economist)  - The case of a crisis country

- Isabelle Schömann (ETUI) - Analysis of labour law developments based on the MoU      

11.40 - 13.00: Discussion

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13.00 - 15.00: Lunch

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Part II - Alternatives Recommendations: an approach beyond austerity

Chair: Philippe Lamberts MEP

15.00 - 15.20: Economic aspects of the European Semester and their social impact

- Commissioner Olli Rehn

15.20 - 15.40: The Commission's view on social elements in NRPs and Green jobs

- Commissioner László Andor

15.40 - 16.10: Our Alternatives to austerity

- Marije Cornelissen MEP, National MPs and civil society

16.10 - 17.10: Discussion

17.10 - 17.30: Exchange of views with the Danish Presidency

17.30 - 18.00: Discussion

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18.00 - 18.15: Conclusions Emilie Turunen MEP