5. Notes that, at the end of 2001 and
at the beginning of 2003, there were signs of economic recovery similar to those that can currently be observed, but that these did not produce sustained growth; notes that the Commission's estimates and those of the Eurosystem point to a slight recovery in 2006, followed by a slowdown in 2007; takes the view that any increase in the potential for growth in the euro zone depends on structural reforms as well as carefully implemented investment activities in the Member States; recognises that competition in EU markets and high quality of employment are a driving forces for economic growth and that
...[+++]its impact on efficiency gains and innovation should not be hindered ; notes the recent recovery in 2006 and stresses to better benefit from this positive situation for serious budgetary consolidation; recognises that competition in EU markets is a driving force for economic growth and that its impact on efficiency gains and innovation should not be hindered;