27/04/2010 Session
In the first of four debates about the consequences of the economic crisis PACE called for action in putting the Council of Europe`s values into practice in terms of recommending many new economic and social policies to its member states. In the adopted resolution based on the proposals by the rapporteur Maria de Belem Roseira (Portugal, SOC) it notes how those with the strongest social and health protection systems are much better prepared, also economically, to face the challenges of the current crisis.
Other countries must also start to build better systems, the parliamentarians said, offering solidarity and support to the weakest by such means as unemployment benefit, guaranteed pensions and decent education and training for all. Measures to boost the economy include investing in public services, smaller enterprises and “green” commerce, improving regulations in the financial sector, and promoting fair trade while avoiding protectionism.