§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what mid-term Lisbon process targets the European Union has said it will(a) meet and (b) miss; and if he will make a statement. [151343]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe hon. Gentlemen will be interested in the European Commission's "Delivering Lisbon'" report, published on 21 January—copies have been placed in the Library of the House. The report notes that although the EU has made some progress in job creation, market liberalisation and creation of a knowledge-based economy, there remains considerable work to be done if the EU is to meet its 2010 goal of becoming the most dynamic economy in the world. The Commission notes that the 2005 mid-term employment targets are likely lo be missed and it therefore urges member states to reinvigorate their commitment to the Lisbon reform agenda. The UK Government support this aim and will be looking to the March 25–26 European Council to provide this impetus.