Evaluating the implementation of the ‘Lisbon strategy on job creation’ in Malta

Abstract

In March 2000 the Lisbon Strategy was drafted setting out specific objectives which if achieved by 2010, would make the EU have 'the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world'. After the drafting of the Lisbon Strategy every member state had to drew up National Action Plans on the various areas of the objectives specified in the Strategy. Malta prepared its first National Action Plan for employment in 2004 that is four years after the Lisbon Strategy was launched. One of the praises of the Lisbon Strategy is that it was the first EU strategy to set specific benchmarks. For this reason some say that the Lisbon Strategy can be so highly criticized, since its implementation process is very visible. On the other hand the implementation process of the National Action Plans however does not give out specific benchmarks for all of its guidelines. In this way, national governments are not committing themselves to particular benchmarks, in order not to put at risk their office. This study deals with first analyzing the function of the Lisbon Strategy, and to where it is directing the various economies within the EU. At the same time, an analysis of the EU's and Malta's labour market is done, taking into account key economic and employment indicators. In the following chapter the National Action Plan for Malta is analysed in order to be able to see how far it goes close to achieving the goals set out by the Lisbon Strategy and also what has been achieved so far. The report issued by the Center for European Reform - UK is used for this analysis. In this way the implementation process of the Lisbon Strategy for all member states can be understood better. The Lisbon Strategy's criteria for success are then analysed. This was done by holding interviews and also by analyzing various articles and comments held by various entities in particular during the mid-term review process. In fact, during the mid-term review the strategy was re-directed, in order to narrow down the objectives and make the Lisbon Strategy more achievable. The study concludes that Malta's policy makers should not miss the wood for the trees. Policy makers need to remember and act towards the urgent needs, that is, to have more high value added and high-paying jobs.