Europe's new industrial policy will focus on jobs and sustainable growth as part of a strategy to exit the economic crisis.

This is according to EurActiv, which reported on a recent meeting of industry ministers in Brussels earlier this week.

A paper released after the meeting said themes of small business support, eco-friendly growth and innovation would be centred on, because of the need for restructuring and modernization due to the economic downturn.

It also tasked the EU with nurturing skills development via the promotion of personal development programmes and workforce adaptability, and addressing global competition for skills and ageing constraints.

All of these measures will hopefully solve the ongoing issues affecting the jobs market on the continent, which has needed protection via government support to prop up various sectors.

Industry ministers said member states will be able to manage the phasing-out of these arrangements at their own pace.