(1)

The Lisbon Strategy, as renewed in 2005, has placed emphasis on growth and jobs. The Employment Guidelines of the European Employment Strategy and the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines have been adopted as an integrated package, whereby the European Employment Strategy has the leading role in the implementation of the employment and labour market objectives of the Lisbon Strategy.

(2)

The examination of the Member States’ National Reform Programmes contained in the Joint Employment Report shows that Member States should continue to make every effort to address the following priority areas: attracting and retaining more people in employment, increasing labour supply and modernising social protection systems; improving adaptability of workers and enterprises; and increasing investment in human capital through better education and skills.

(3)

In view of the current economic crisis, the guidelines should also serve as a tool for meeting the immediate challenges of increasing unemployment and social exclusion. Policies in the immediate term include integrated flexicurity policies to facilitate the transition to work, matching the unemployed with available jobs, and skills upgrading.

(4)

In light of the Commission’s examination of the National Reform Programmes, the focus should be on their effective and timely implementation, paying special attention to the agreed targets and benchmarks and the involvement of social partners.

(5)

The Employment Guidelines were adopted in 2008 with a validity of three years, during which time their updating should be strictly limited.

(6)

Member States should explore the use of the European Social Fund when implementing the Employment Guidelines.

(7)

In view of the integrated nature of the guideline package, Member States should fully implement the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines,