Brussels, 20.10.2005
COM(2005) 525 final
All Member States will face increased demand for social services and challenges in financing them. We must modernise to ensure continued high quality education and health care, satisfactory jobs for all and adequate pensions. Modernisation will give us the confidence to reap the benefits of globalisation. Europe has a central role to play and the Commission will ensure that this will be the case. It will take the initiative, not least within its "Plan D" for dialogue with citizens, to explain why Europe is more relevant than ever in providing solutions to the challenges we face. The Commission stands ready to work with the Member States and other actors to construct a road map which describes the path to a modern Europe which delivers economic prosperity and social justice. Through modernisation, we will preserve our values.