Challenges, opportunities, and the role of policy in difficult times
On 17th March 2009 the Commission held a high-level conference on Industrial Competitiveness - Challenges, opportunities, and the role of policy in difficult times. Peter Scherrer was one of the speakers alongside Commission President Barrosso and Vice-President Verheugen as well as representatives of academic circles and business.
In his speech, Peter Scherrer spoke of globalisation as both a threat and an opportunity for European jobs, the risks of de-industrialisation, the role of European policies with regard to industrial change and pressure on workers, the respective roles of the EU, governments and social partners.
In his conclusion he stated:
“What we want to do is master the challenges of the future. The workers, together with their representatives at shop floor level and the trade unions, must be actively involved in policy-making as well as the decision-making process in companies. Only on this basis can acceptance of and pro-active support for change become a reality. If not, massive social conflicts are unavoidable. It is up to all of us to decide what course we take.”
Full speech below:
