The new generation of EU programmes.(European Union)

It is with pleasure that I contribute to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Bulletin on the new EU programmes 2007-2013. I come from a country which has a long history of good relations with EFTA. Portugal was one of the founding members of EFTA in 1960 and it belonged to the Association until it joined the European Union in 1986.

Since then, we have followed different paths as regards the EU, but al the same time the relationship between the EU and EFTA has grown even closer. One of the main reasons for this is the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), which came into force in 1994. It brought about the inclusion of the EEA EFTA States in the Internal Market and their involvement in EU programmes. Through this, the EFTA States have been active participants and contributors in areas of EU cooperation such as research, education and media, to name but a few. Switzerland has also joined part of this process through several bilateral agreements with the EU.

For me, these EU programmes underline one of the key concepts of the European integration process-mobility. By facilitating mobility through intercultural dialogue, exchanges and the joint quest for knowledge and innovation, the new EU programmes provide key tools for developing a competitive, inclusive and tolerant Europe. Mobility is of course also the central instrument for building a true internal market with the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services.

But beyond that, mobility is an essential factor of human development: by forging links between individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), organisations and cultures, Europe can exploit its competitive advantages, build tolerance and share experiences. Thus the mobility which is stimulated through these EU programmes is a concept which I believe is crucial for all of Europe--including the EFTA States. By facilitating dialogue, mobility opens the way to European development in an increasingly globalised economy and multicultural society.

The Lisbon Strategy, with its clear focus on growth and jobs, is one of the main pillars in this European project.

The key aims of the Strategy, while promoting sustainable development and social cohesion, are an effective internal market, free and fair trade, better regulation, improving European infrastructure, investing in R&D, boosting innovation, creating a strong industrial base, more and better jobs, an adaptable workforce and better education and skills. Progress over the last year shows that the Strategy is working and that the reform process is bearing fruit, but a great deal remains to be done and the current economic upturn provides a unique window of opportunity to quicken the pace of reform. It is an opportunity that must not be missed.

The Union recently adopted a new generation of programmes for the financial programming period 2007-2013. These new programmes are particularly designed to stimulate innovation, economic growth and employment. The programming strategy prioritises policies for sustainable economic progress, solidarity, security and a stronger role for Europe in the world.