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.
DRAFT PROGRAMME
09.00 - 09.30: Registration
09.30 - 09.45: Opening and Introduction Elisabeth Schroedter MEP
----------------------
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
----------------------
13.00 - 15.00: Lunch
----------------------
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
----------------------
18.00 - 18.15: Conclusions Emilie Turunen MEP