It is the price that the future is gaining

The future of the European Union is entrusted to the Finland, presiding from July 1, the European Council for six months. Can bet already on an effective Presidency, notably to negotiate with the Russians the foundations for a balanced energy partnership. It is hoped that the Finnish pragmatism will come to overcome the reluctance of some Member States to pass, in judicial and police cooperation, legal immigration, the unanimity rule in the rule of qualified majority, i.e. of the risk of blocking the possibility of action.

But it must also take advantage of this Finnish Presidency to build on the success of this country. The priority given to growth and employment in Europe, with the Lisbon strategy, results, for each Member State, the duty to draw advantage from the experiences of countries which were able to meet the challenges of the future.

The Finland has become one of the best students of the European class. And yet, the country experienced a deep crisis in the 1990s, with a slowdown in the economy, massive unemployment, an increase in public deficits, a terrible recession between 1990 and 1991. The Finland had to face massive layoffs in several industrial sectors, such as, traditional paper. Faced with this crisis, aggravated by a geographical disadvantage on the Northern periphery of the Union, Finnish leaders did not surrendered to the temptation of the nationalist retreat in isolating a world accused of all evils. Noting that the Finnish market cannot suffice to heal the economy, they have decided to be offensive on the world markets. "The Finland must not be trapped in its own market," said the Prime Minister, Matti Vanhanen. It is by analyzing the opportunities of the global economy that the Finland has built a winning strategy. Nothing to do with populism of the times of crisis, who prefers to challenge "the stranger", designating scapegoats and maintain the illusion of citizens by avoiding the necessary adaptation efforts. What have been the main focus of this winning strategy

First of all, the restructuring of the industry. Traditional sectors have given way to a new industrial geography, focusing on high-tech information and communication. At the same time the paper as the metallurgy industry have been modernized. That is why began the decrease of unemployment which should normally fall to 7 in 2007, after reaching a peak of 17 15 years ago.

Then, to compensate for their peripheral situation, Finns engaged in the promotion of logistics and intermodal platforms, in order to effectively connect their production on the European and global economy.

This modernization of the infrastructure has been facilitated by a very proactive control of public finances.

As the second key to success lies in exemplary consolidation of public finances, with a stabilized public debt to 40 of GDP and a budget surplus. This of course required the courage. This righteous policy allows the Finland devote today more than 3.5 of GDP in research expenditures and development, and include 4 at the end of the Decade.

With 5.2 million inhabitants, the Finland spent last year EUR 5.4 billion to research, innovative technologies. This ambitious programme is implemented through close cooperation between research and industry. The Finns have managed this "golden triangle" education superior-research-industry, which is at the heart of the project of the European Institute of technology.

Their commitment is also ambitious in the area of education. It translates as an early learning of three foreign languages. The Finland is ranked at the top of the best systems of secondary education, according to the latest survey of the OECD. The universities network is dense, coupled with many research laboratories. Universities participate in 20 to the country's research effort. From this effort, the Finland turn systematically to innovation, giving priority to science in future as the biotechnology sectors. It is the concept of "knowledge economy" which is reflected here. And the decision of the Finnish Presidency to publish each week a newsletter in... latin on its Web site is a symbolic wink to a history of Europe which is built around this common space of knowledge!

This "knowledge economy" is opposite a nationalist strategy disconnected from the requirements of the European and world market. It is essential, when we know that the top 100 European companies realize more than 37 of their sales on their national market! The Finland holds the record for participation in research projects European (826 European projects against 462 for the France). The example of Nokia is known around the world. This company is a model for adaptation to globalisation, with the creation of research and development centres in 11 countries.

This constant projection into the future also translates a choice committed and assumed the nuclear of the 21st century (with the new EPR reactor), which will allow the Finland preserve its energy independence, the best cost and the benefit of the industry. The European Union should be guided by this approach.

Renew, innovate to deal collectively with the future, such is the Finnish message to Europe. And the sharing of these experiences, these recipes for renewal and innovation will be at the heart of the informal summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Lahti in October.

But, so far, all the problems are not resolved in Finland... This country is also confronted with phenomena that dampen growth in many countries of Europe: demography, the employment rate. The Finland faces a demographic challenge part (1.7 children per woman of childbearing age) fertility rates too low to ensure the renewal of the generations.

This demographic deficit led to enhance his level of activity, by bringing early youth on the labour market, seeking to end career employees even longer participate in the activity of the country. But here, too, the reforms are already underway. A broad consensus has emerged including with the social partners for an increase in wages for later retirements.

The Finnish approach is a matter of confidence in the future with courage. The Finns were able to understand that the acceleration of globalization implied the capacity for renewal of the economic and social models offensive strategies, without that it means the sacrifice of a social model which is still very protective.

The Member States of the Union must enter, without fear, in this effort of opening to the world, which does nothing the abandonment of the values of solidarity that guide Europe. It is the price that the future is gaining.

Can the France, on the eve of the presidential debate, may not be the last to implement the Finnish lessons!