Deputy Director General for employment and social affairs, Karl-Johan Lonnroth, emphasised the central role of public services in the creation of a sustainable social market economy. As the guest of honour, at the EPSU 25th anniversary reception, Mr Lonnroth stated that the European Social Model is about justice, participation, social dialogue and all the mechanisms which underpin social solidarity and are key factors in improving productivity. In his address to the EPSU executive committee and friends, he highlighted the role played by EPSU in keeping public services at the top of the EU agenda.