Brussels, 23 March 2004

JM/cd

Fax No : 02 295 63 36

Mr. Romano Prodi

President European Commission

Avenue d’Auderghem, 45

B-1040 Brussels

Re: The Lisbon Strategy

Dear President,

I understand that at the Spring Summit there are likely to be decisions taken to set up a new high level group relating to the Lisbon strategy and also on a proposal for a new post of vice president - competitiveness.

I write to express the strong concerns of the Executive Committee of the ETUC at these ideas. We recognise of course that competitiveness is a major challenge for Europe and that we are failing in too many respects. But we see this as the job of the Commission and its President to carry things forward. Why do we need another high level group, just a few months after the report of Wim Kok which has charted the way forward for Europe?

And are we to depart from the essence of the Lisbon process that economic development must be accompanied by social and environmental progress? Specifically, does not the creation of a super-commissioner-competitiveness relegate the social and environment dimensions to a subordinate status?

These are major questions on which we would like your views. They go to the heart of whether the European Social Model will survive successfully. Already unions are wondering whether Europe is seeking to follow a path to growth of de-regulation and economic liberalism without any corresponding steps to strengthen the influence of employees and their unions. And this will inevitably accelerate feelings of euro-scepticism and anti-globalisation unless we can demonstrate that the commitment to an active social dimension is alive and well.

I am writing similarly to the Irish Prime Minister and also copying this letter to the Heads of Government who will attend the summit and to relevant Commissioners.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

John Monks General Secretary