COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
THE COMPETITIVENESS OF EUROPEAN ENTERPRISES IN THE FACE OF GLOBALISATION - HOW IT CAN BE ENCOURAGED
COM (98) 718 final - Brussels, 20.01.1999
This document is available in all 11 Community languages for downloading as PDF-file
INTRODUCTION
On the eve of the third millennium Europe faces an acceleration of the globalisation of economies equipped with its strengths and weaknesses, its market, its traditions and values. This challenge requires not only adaptation on the part of enterprises but also a political response.
Amidst the uncertainty created by recent movements in the world economy, the haven of economic stability and non-inflationary growth formed by the Union illustrates the benefits being reaped already from the drive to construct Europe. The experience acquired in the process, the efforts put into building the internal market and the creation of the Euro are proving positive assets.
Globalisation is an opportunity for Europe to seize, not a threat. Far from being the cause of unemployment in Europe, it is a potential source employment creation. There is a close link between the development of world trade, economic growth and employment. A major part of the Union's prosperity today is based on trade and international investment. But to make the most of it and obtain maximum benefit in the interests of Europe's citizens and economy, the Union must adjust to this new state of affairs without delay and equip itself with the best means for capitalising on it.
It is clear however, that this process of globalisation involves adjustments which can give rise to concerns or even risks, for example from the social or the environment perspective. This is why the protection of European values must, in parallel to this adaptation, constitute both an objective and an advantage in order to address the phenomenon of globalisation in the best conditions. For Europe durable and sustainable development must also aim to simultaneously create the economic and social conditions for preserving the environment, support competitiveness and contribute to employment creation.
The competitiveness of enterprises is also of concern to the general public. It affects their jobs now and in the future, their working conditions, social welfare and environment - all subjects close to their hearts. It depends on the quality of their skills, their creativity, their capacity to take the risk to innovate and their entrepreneurship.
Europe has an industrial policy designed to boost the competitiveness of its enterprises in an open, competitive economy and that contributes to reinforcing the priority given to employment policy. The demands of globalisation together with citizens' concerns raise the question of whether and how to reinforce the capacity to stimulate innovation and the spirit of enterprise in Europe.
This communication is a reflection document which describes the principal challenges that the European Union must face up to in order to benefit from globalisation. It indicates the ways forward to be explored by the Union, the instruments to be used and identifies the priorities for future action. These orientations are in line with the Union's overall policy for reinforcing growth and the creation of employment in the framework of the economic reform process, of the guidelines on Employment and of the broad economic policy orientations.
While the Commission Services do their utmost to avoid any errors or omissions, the Commission disclaims all liability for the documents circulated, and the only authentic version is that published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
| Language | PDF file (size) |
|---|---|
| Castellano | COM98-718es.pdf (179 Kb) |
| Dansk | COM98-718da.pdf (191 Kb) |
| Deutsch | COM98-718de.pdf (189 Kb) |
| åëëçíéêÜ (Greek) | COM98-718gr.pdf (480 Kb) |
| English | COM98-718en.pdf (165 Kb) |
| Français | COM98-718fr.pdf (193 Kb) |
| Italiano | COM98-718it.pdf (184 Kb) |
| Nederlands | COM98-718nl.pdf (185 Kb) |
| Português | COM98-718pt.pdf (198 Kb) |
| Suomi | COM98-718fi.pdf (171 Kb) |
| Svenska | COM98-718sv.pdf (174 Kb) |
NEWS & PUBLICATIONS | 28.02.2000
