EU policies must respect quality of life, warns Ahern

THE social and environmental impact of financial policies must be taken into account if Europe is to maintain its high standard of living and quality of life, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern warned yesterday.

Speaking at the European Investment Bank (EIB) forum in Dublin, Mr Ahern said Ireland’s presidency of the EU would be committed to the Lisbon Strategy.

As agreed by EU member states, the Lisbon Strategy requires the EU to take account of the long-term social and environmental implications of financial decisions. “It is clear if we are to continue to deliver a high standard of living and a good quality of life to the people of Europe, we must as Europeans remain at the forefront of innovation, investment and environmental protection,” he said.