Christa Randzio-Plath Modern economies are characterised by sophisticated technologies, by more mobile- and often more short-lived- companies, and by rapid change in the knowledge and skills needed. That is why training and qualifications need to shift towards the concept of lifelong learning. Member states are not investing enough in this important component of competitiveness. Gender equality is crucial Gender equality is central to economic growth. The Nordic countries demonstrate that investment in social infrastructure goes hand in hand with raised competitiveness. It is preposterous to waste the talents and experience of half of the population. So the integration of women into the labour market is crucial. Europe needs an increased level of employment among both women and men. Therefore, very rightly, the Lisbon Strategy points to the need to provide for available, affordable, good quality childcare and care of the elderly. The now agreed Gender Pact of the EU symbolises a new understanding of this perspective which needs more commitment by member states in order to improve the reconciliation of professional and family life, to encourage female entrepreneurship and to overcome gender segregation in the labour market and professional training. Public goods are needed Public goods and services are a key element of the European social model. The EU Treaty as well as the EU draft constitution pay respect to that engagement. Services of general interest(SGIs) and services of general economic interest (SGEIs) are fundamental to the universal delivery of public goods such as health, education, culture, public transport, water, energy supplies, childcare and eldercare to all citizens. It is essential that in reforming the European social systems SGIs and SGEIs are respected given their key role not only in delivering a better quality of life to citizens, but also in enhancing businesses' capacity for efficiency and their access to a healthy and well-educated adaptable labour force. A European framework directive is needed. Taxation and Lisbon Taxation should serve to generate finances for public goods, services and social security and contribute to a fair distribution of wealth and income. Unfair tax competition is a threat to the cohesion of the EU. Public finances are reduced because of tax erosion and avoidance, and the tax burden is shifted to the least mobile factor of production- labour- which is bad for employment, a central 48