Press Release: President Barroso and Prime Minister Fillon meet European Social Partners on financial crisis

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and French Prime Minister François Fillon – for the EU Council Presidency – met on the 15 October 2008 with employers' and workers' representatives to discuss the impact of the financial crisis on the 'real economy', in particular jobs and growth. The Tripartite Social Summit also addressed the impact of climate change and energy policy on employment and social cohesion, including the potential for 'green jobs'. Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and representatives of the future Czech and Swedish Council Presidencies also participated.