Employment and social cohesion: programme Progress for employment and social solidarity, 2007-2013

The Council reached a partial political agreement on a draft European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a programme for employment and social solidarity (PROGRESS). The "partial" nature of this agreement is due to the fact that the budgetary aspects have been excluded pending the outcome of discussions on the future Community financial framework (Financial Perspective 2007-2013). It is therefore expected that the Council will adopt this text as a common position after finalisation of the budget issue and of matters inextricably linked with it. The aim of the programme is to financially support the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the employment and social affairs area and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy.