Press Release: Europe on the right track for more growth and jobs, EU and social partners agree

At the Tripartite Social Summit on 8 March 2007, Commission President Barroso and German Chancellor Merkel – current President of the European Council – discussed with high-level employers' and workers' representatives progress on the EU's jobs and growth goals. They were joined by the Portuguese and Slovene Prime Ministers – future Presidents of the European Council – and Vladimír Spidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The debate focused on promoting knowledge and innovation and making labour markets more adaptable through flexicurity – combining flexibility on the labour market with employment security of workers – and better regulation.