Top economist urges Europe to 'get cracking' on Lisbon goals

In an interview with the EUobserver ahead of Thursday’s summit which will focus on the so-called Lisbon strategy, Professor Sapir says, "I dont like this blame game. I am not putting the blame on either the Commission or the Member States, I am putting the blame on the method... it is the system that is not delivering".

The EU needs to recognise that it is falling behind on its ambitious targets and "get cracking" on the necessary economic reforms that will take the Union where it wants to be, he says.

"We are five years into the process. We are not delivering much on the process. So should we give up? My view is not at all. We should get cracking".

Europe must deliver

The stakes could hardly be higher, according to Professor Sapir. Europe "cannot afford, from a political viewpoint and from an economic viewpoint, not to deliver", he declares.

And from a political viewpoint, he believes that reputations are on the line, saying, "Tremendous political capital has been invested in the process and that I think is excellent. Now, Heads of States and Governments and the Commission and everyone would be ashamed if we do not deliver".

"There is strong support from employers. There is strong support from trades unions. Politicians, it seems, have their reputations at stake if they do not deliver".

Lisbon Tsar needed

The Professor also throws his weight behind proposals initially tabled by France and Germany, to create a Vice-President of the Commission who would oversee the Lisbon strategy.

"I am very much in favour of having someone in the Commission that coordinates [the Lisbon process] ... I think the idea of having a Vice President is good ... the Commission is dealing with so many other issues rather than Lisbon, so I do not think the President can be given the task of coordinating this", he said.

"Obviously he has ultimate political responsibility, but I think to have someone dealing with it on a day-to-day basis, would be good".

This proposal – which will be discussed at the forthcoming summit – attempts to respond to the fragmented nature of the Lisbon process, which encompasses the remit of several commissioners. But it has been heavily criticised in some quarters, notably by labour union leaders.

Don’t give up

Despite the gloom and doom surrounding the Lisbon strategy, Professor Sapir urges EU leaders and institutions to stick with the ambitious goals. Europe, he says, needs an agenda like the Lisbon agenda and everyone agrees with the objectives.

"To give up would be a terrible thing to do", he warns.

But he calls on leaders to work on closing the "delivery gap" between what is promised and what is actually delivered.

"We have not put our money where our mouths are", he concludes.