Duits actieplan voor "Lissabon" is goed, maar gaat onvoldoende in op concurrentie in de dienstensector (en)
As part of its first Annual Progress Report on the new partnership with Member States for Growth and Jobs, the European Commission has published an analysis of the National Reform Programme drawn up by the German authorities under very tight deadlines, given the recent elections. The Commission's overall view of the programme is that it identifies and responds to most of the main challenges facing Germany and sets out a coherent, integrated and appropriate strategy, though given the large number of measures included clearer prioritisation would have been helpful. Competition in services is an important area only partially addressed.
The main challenges identified
The German National Reform Programme (NRP) identifies six key challenges: the knowledge society; market functioning and competitiveness; business environment; the sustainability of public finances (including sustainable growth and social security); ecological innovation; and the re-orientation of the labour market. The Commission largely shares the analysis of the main priorities, but considers that a stronger response is needed regarding competition in services.
Strong points of the NRP
The programme's strengths include measures to enhance the business environment, including impact assessment of regulations, support for start-ups and improved access to finance for SMEs. The Commission's Report also welcomes the programme's approach to promoting "ecological innovation", for example in the field of energy efficiency and of environmental technologies. In addition, the programme also sets out a determined approach to tackling youth unemployment.
Areas to develop further
The Commission's Progress Report encourages the German authorities to take further steps to improve competition, notably in public procurement, in professional services and in the provision of broadband networks. It also advocates a more comprehensive approach to the integration into employment of low-qualified workers, including immigrants, and a more concrete plan to achieve the intended increase in childcare facilities.
Economic context
Real GDP growth in Germany averaged 2 % over the period in 1996-2000, but has fallen to half that rate since then. Over the last decade, labour productivity growth has been slightly above the EU average, and has been improving in recent years. GDP per capita stood at 109 % of the EU average in 2004. The employment rate stands at 65 % of the working age population. The employment rate of older workers (in 2004 at 41.8 %) is slightly above the EU average, but significantly below the Lisbon target (50 %). Unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points to 9.5 % in 2004.
Background to National Reform Programmes
National Reform Programmes offer a succinct overview of planned macro-economic, micro-economic and employment reforms at national level for the period 2005-2008. They were drawn up by Member States for the first time in autumn 2005 on the basis of a set of 24 Integrated Guidelines proposed by the European Commission and agreed by heads of state and government. This is a key element in the redesigned arrangements under the EU's Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. The new way of working has reinforced the partnership between the Commission and Member States and is beginning to give new impetus to the drive to increase prosperity and to allow more people to share in it. For example, the new system helps identify the many examples of successful and innovative policies which exist in every Member State, so that others can learn from, adapt and adopt them.
Next steps
The Commission will now work with Member States to enhance the above mutual learning process, to support their efforts to implement their NRPs and to discuss how programmes can be strengthened.
For further details see