More needs to be done to address regional disparities in terms of job creation and numbers of people in work across Europe, an official has stated.

The European Union (EU) Commissioner responsible for employment, social affairs and inclusion claimed recovery from the global economic downturn is happening at different paces across the member states and regions.

Laszlo Andor noted that regions dependent upon fields such as manufacturing and construction have been particularly badly hit by the financial markets crisis.

However, he pointed out that areas including eastern Germany and Poland have managed to resist the impact relatively well and have not seen the significant rises in joblessness witnessed in southern Italy, western Hungary and southern Spain.

In his speech, Europe 2020: Helping Regions to Overcome the Crisis, he added: "What we now have to do is to create the conditions for sustained recovery based on a new and robust growth model in Europe."

Addressing an audience in Brussels, he also pointed to new employment measures being launched as part of the Europe 2020 strategy to create jobs and expand skills.

The European Commission is working with national governments and bodies such as trade unions and employers' organizations to generate new work opportunities in the region.

Posted by Alex Donnell