The main goals of the 2020 Strategy for Europe include jobs and sustainable growth, it has been stated.

According to economy and finance minister Elena Salgado, "quality" employment is a key focus of the plans and the Spanish presidency of the EU has been working alongside the new European Council president and the commission to finalize the agreement.

Launching the strategy as part of plans to modernize the financial structure of Europe in the wake of the financial crisis, she explained that "human and technological capital and sustainability are essential keys to growth and employment".

Speaking to a European Parliament committee, second vice-president of Spain Ms Salgado added that the strategy is intended to enhance coordination between member states and EU bodies such as Ecofin and the Euro Group.

EurActiv recently reported that the new EU industrial policy will also concentrate on developing sustainable growth and creating more jobs as part of efforts to lead the trading bloc out of the downturn.