EU leaders will be considering the future direction of the Lisbon Strategy - the ten-year framework for boosting Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness coupled with environmental and social objectives.

Trade unionists from numerous European countries will join the demonstration, to send a clear signal to the Summit that the protection of employment and fundamental social rights must be a priority for future EU policy, not an afterthought. They will be calling for:

More and better jobs

The ETUC opposes further deregulation of the European labour market, to the detriment of workers and their families, and calls instead for managed restructuring and strong social protection.
To stimulate growth and employment, Europe needs flexible reform of the Stability Pact, and greater investment in training, lifelong learning, research and innovation.

For quality jobs and services - No to the Bolkestein Directive

The ETUC backs the completion of the internal market for services, with its potential for job creation, but rejects the Bolkestein proposals for liberalisation, which threaten to undermine workers’ rights and encourage social dumping.
To promote good living standards and social cohesion, Europe needs high-quality services, not subject solely to competition rules.

For fundamental social rights to strengthen Social Europe

Europe must set its sights on full employment, trade union rights, social dialogue and meaningful information and consultation for workers.

The ETUC is calling for wide support for its campaign to defend social rights and ensure EU leaders take account of the interests of working people in their forthcoming decisions.