The Lisbon strategy to make the EU 'the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment by 2010' was adopted by the European Council in 2000. After initially moderate results, the strategy was re-launched in spring 2005 to focus more clearly on two objectives: growth and jobs.

Under the impact of the economic downturn and with the strategy set to expire next year, it is time to take stock of the achievements of the 2000-2010 Lisbon Agenda and begin reflection on the future strategy for growth, jobs, and competitiveness.

A refreshed and improved strategy for European competitiveness, which quickens the pace of economic reform and focuses on the synergies between strong, fair and green growth will help the EU emerge from the crisis stronger than we went into it. The new strategy should be based on a simplified governance structure and set objectives over the long term (10 years). It should aim to raise prosperity, increase opportunity for all and social cohesion, and ensure sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient growth. The external dimension of competitiveness should not be forgotten, as the UK believes that a flexible, open European economy will be better placed to absorb shocks and then benefit from the upturn.

The UK has been working with Romania on its reform process aimed at improving economic development and competitiveness, the business environment, labour markets. The British Embassy in Bucharest has been co-operating well with Romanian central and local authorities, academia, as well as civil society to promote the Lisbon Agenda objectives. Collaboration will continue as the UK and Romania are launching consultations on the shape and goals of the post-2010 Strategy.

What we do

'The Lisbon Strategy post-2010: Options and national priorities for reform'

Ambassador Robin Barnett attended on 29 September 2009 the conference 'The Lisbon Strategy post-2010: Options and national priorities for reform' in the context of a wide reflection process launched by The Department for European Affairs, aimed at shaping national views on the future of the Lisbon Agenda. The Ambassador's presentation (*ro) [Word 56KB, new window] highlighted the importance of a refreshed strategy in helping the European Union take on the challenges and harness the opportunities that it faces as it exits the economic crisis.

Publication of Lisbon Agenda Scorecards by the Group for Applied Economics

The British Embassy funded the Group of Applied Economics' (GEA) studies on Lisbon Agenda. Since 2004, these studies have assessed Romania's performance against key indicators of Lisbon Agenda, particularly macroeconomic, competitiveness and employment indicators.