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.

Mr Ahern welcomed the role played by the EIB in this regard and urged the bank to come up with new and dynamic ways of improving the European economy.

“The contribution that the EIB is making in this area is most welcome and I encourage the bank to engage

in renewed thinking about how we can inject more dynamism into the European economies,” he said.

Mr Ahern also urged all EU member States to recognise the role that public\private partnerships (PPPs) can play in successfully developing infrastructural projects.

Referring to EIB funding of PPP projects, Mr Ahern said 78 million had been allocated for the development of the M4 toll motorway, while a further €67m had been agreed for projects in the education sector.

“It is in the interests of all governments to examine the positive contribution the EIB can play through PPPs to improving or increasing private sector participation.

“I am confident the scope for entering into PPP arrangements will be maximised by all member states, particularly by the new accession states,” he said.

In terms of next May’s historic accession of 10 new member states, Mr Ahern urged EU members to make the necessary sacrifices now for the good of the union.

“Governments across the enlarged EU will need to put measures in place to ensure the sacrifices made now, in the interests of greater competitiveness and economic growth, will result in better quality of life for all in the long-run.

“The accomplishment of such wide-ranging challenges will require the continued political will of each EU government,” he said.