October 22, 2024
(press release)
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Ladies and Gentlemen, Europe's social market economy is built on a simple yet powerful promise: We protect and empower every worker, so that each of us can live up to all opportunities while standing on solid ground. Across the European Union's 27 Member States, and in our wider economic area, workers and their families enjoy the right of free movement. This is the essence of true freedom: The freedom to build a life on your own terms, to raise a family if you wish, and to grow old with dignity. Thirty years ago, we launched EURES – the European Employment Services – to make this vision a reality for all Europeans. So, a big thank you to all EURES colleagues here today! For three decades, you have helped people realise their dreams, crossing borders and opening doors to new possibilities. And a warm welcome to the jobseekers joining us from across Europe! You are at the heart of the European promise. The European Union is at your side whether you are seeking new opportunities at home or exploring work in another country. As we honour the impact of EURES, we are also preparing for the future. Our working environment is evolving quickly. Global competition is intensifying. The workforce is aging. And technologies are transforming almost every sector of our economy. But within these challenges also lie immense opportunities. Take, for example, the clean transition: Last year alone, Europe had 1.8 million jobs in renewable energy – that's a 50% increase since the launch of the European Green Deal. These are hundreds of thousands of new and future-proof jobs. The European Union's role is to ensure that all Europeans have the right skills and support to thrive in this transition. Today, we stand close to full employment. There are opportunities everywhere. But skill demands are shifting rapidly, and starting a new job abroad can be daunting. Here, our European social market economy has an important role. It ensures fair pay and working conditions across our Union. And EURES is a corner stone of its success. Thanks to the guidance of its 1,100 advisors, millions of Europeans have seized new roles across borders. The world around us may be changing, but our values are not. I want Europe to remain the fairest and most attractive place to work in the world. Together, let's continue to build a genuine European labour market, creating a future where dreams are within reach for all. Happy anniversary EURES, and long live Europe!
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