The European Union (EU) has placed employment and social inclusion "at the heart" of its 2020 strategy for the next decade in the region.

According to its employment, social affairs and inclusion commissioner, the policy "makes it clear what kind of growth we need: smart growth, sustainable growth and inclusive growth".

Speaking in Brussels, Laszlo Andor welcomed broad support from heads of state for the package of proposals and pointed out that key priorities of the guidelines have fed into the Commission Work Programme.

He was launching a conference on the Future of the European Social Fund and remarked upon the "unprecedented economic crisis" that has been faced, potentially pushing up unemployment to 11 per cent by the end of 2010.

However, Mr Andor concluded that "we must not lose sight of the long-term challenges we face" and called on EU partners to examine issues such as ageing populations and climate change.

A recent EU poll discovered 18 per cent of those in jobs across the region are very or not at all confident about whether or not they will keep their current position during 2010.

Posted by Fiona Summers