“Experience in Europe over the last decade has shown that raising potential growth is not enough. Policies also have to ensure that growth occurs effectively,” says John Monks, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), in a first reaction to the Commission’s report for the Spring Council.

Provided reforms take the “high” road by benefiting all workers, respecting social dialogue and unlocking the social dimension of Europe, by providing workers with security in times of change, the ETUC supports a discussion on growth and employment-friendly reforms of the European economy.

But raising growth potential is not enough. In order to reap the benefits of reform, policies have to get the economic machinery going. Right now with the recovery being substantially weakened by the overshooting of the euro, this is of particular importance. The Spring Council has to address this issue properly by taking measures to strengthen recovery, including:

 a quick implementation of the European Growth Initiative
 a clear and sensible interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact
 a monetary policy that, while pursuing price stability, also supports growth.