In the framework of the European People's Party (EPP) celebration of the 40th anniversary, hosted by our Luxembourgish member party CSV, the political assembly discussed the current political developments in Luxembourg on 30-31 May. A debate on the European social model of the 21st century was also held among members, with main speakers Marianne Thyssen, EPP Vice-President and European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility; Elmar Brok, MEP and President of the European Union of Christian Democratic Workers; Marc Spautz, President of CSV; and Jean-Jacques Rommes, Managing Director of the Union des Entreprises Luxembourgeoises UEL. "We have dealt with many crisis over the course of past years, and while we have succeeded in putting back on track our economy, our social policies have not been adapted to the new realities. Many Europeans feel uncertain about their future and unsure whether their skills will still be relevant in the labour market of tomorrow. We need to address these concerns and adapt our European social model," said EPP President Joseph Daul. "We must start by investing in our people's skills to give them more opportunities and allow for better access to the labour market. We must put in place sustainable social protection systems as well as improve work-life balance and gender equality across Europe. Economic growth and social progress can go hand-in-hand to make our society inclusive for all," continued President Daul. "The EPP has a crutial role to play in developing a social Europe. We are at the origin of the social market economy, a model which has served Europe well. We must continue defending it together and make it fit for the challenges of the 21st century," added EPP Vice-President and Commissioner Marianne Thyssen. "Our citizens must remain at the heart of Europe. We must continue working towards achieving a Europe with a triple-A social rating in order to improve the lives of EU citizens while stimulating our competitiveness. Our efforts must be geared towards a job-rich recovery for the benefit of all citizens so that faith can be restored in a Europe that delivers results," added EPP Vice-President and Commissioner Thyssen. "Equipping Europeans with more and better skills by better connecting the world of business and education is an investment in our future. When people have higher skills, their job prospects improve. By investing in people, we can raise Europe's competitiveness," concluded Marc Spautz, President of CSV. The political assembly also adopted a resolution on implementing a Day of the Associations, which will offer a forum for the associations to discuss policies and start new initiatives that support the party as a whole.