EUROPE - EU leaders set for reform summit

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Thursday, 23 March 2006,

06:57 GMT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EU

leaders set for reform summit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By William Horsley

BBC European affairs

correspondent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

European

Commission chief Barroso is not happy about protectionism

 

 

 

European Union

leaders are meeting in Brussels to begin their annual summit focussing on economic reforms.

Some new agreements to boost economic growth and jobs are being

proposed.

But the run-up to the talks has been marked by recriminations,

claims of protectionism and criticism that the EU reform programme is

failing.

The programme - which once aimed to make the European Union the

world's most competitive economy - has been much weakened.

Strong words

European leaders are meeting with their quarrels over economic

matters well aired - over trade protectionism, the blocking of foreign

takeovers, and plans to extend the free market in services.

The past few days have seen big protests against economic change

in France and Germany.

They have been also marked by accusations - by business leaders

and economists - that the politicians are running away from controversial

reforms, like easier hiring and firing of employees, and lower taxes and

other costs.

The broad aim of the reform programme now is to boost jobs and

growth.

All will probably sign up to the modest plans on the table -

like supporting small businesses, more spending on research and starting work

on a clearer European energy policy.

Strong words may be exchanged for and against more radical

reform plans.

But it is unclear if they will be made public, when outside

critics are watching the leaders closely for signs of anything that will

clearly change the lives of people across Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4835518.stm

 

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