Text tabled : A6-0300/2006

  José Albino Silva Peneda (PPE-DE), in writing. (PT) As Europe grows older and the economy becomes ever more globalised, it has become increasingly necessary to attach special importance to social policy, with a view to strengthening regional and social cohesion in Europe.

The Progress programme is more than an important instrument of social policy. It is indicative of the fact that Parliament recognises that public policy continues to play a central role in promoting employment, social protection, social inclusion, favourable working conditions, the fight against discrimination, diversity and equality between men and women.

Naturally Europe must look at the economic growth indicators that it needs to improve.

Yet for this to happen the Member States need to realise that progress must be made on certain key aspects, such as making more concrete progress in the construction of the internal market.

The view that what is required is more Europe and less self-interest is a further vital factor in the success of regional and social cohesion policy.

I welcome the simplification that PROGRESS will bring, by continuing to develop activities launched by four previous programmes, in line with the Commission’s intention to consolidate and streamline the EU's financial instruments.