The European Commission showed a "lack of ambition" in deleting its target for zero unemployment across the region, it has been claimed.

This is the view expressed by Wolfgang Greif of Austria at a meeting of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), at which it was suggested that in addition to austerity measures, countries need to focus on improving job prospects.

Representatives stated during a plenary session that the European Union (EU) should focus on the boosting the quality of education in order to generate wealth and combat poverty in the future.

Commenting at the Biennial Conference in Florence, Tuscany, EESC president Mario Sepi said: "The current economic crisis management should not limit itself to austerity plans and deficit cuts but extend to preserving social capital, which is what generates Europe's wealth."

The EESC's assertions have been reflected by president of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, who told the plenary session that fiscal policies designed to reduce national debt in the EU must not be allowed to place growth at risk.

Posted by Alex Donnell