Abstract
To make the European Union "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion ": that was the guideline, the "new strategic goal" of the principles EU's Head of States and Governments agreed on when they signed in March 2000 what is now called the Lisbon Agenda. This agreement was discussed by the fifteen countries that formed the EU at that time, during the European Council that took place in Lisbon. The idea was to launch a long-term plan, including overall strategies concerning economic policies for the next ten years. However, this Lisbon Strategy aimed at including social considerations in these economic policies. Thus, they have defined the European social model as a triangle, linking the three angles represented by economic, employment and social policies. The gathering of these three perspectives should ensure a balanced growth, in everybody's advantage, and well-being in the European Union. Even more, the EU would have a role to play in the mutual progress on economic and social fronts.
