Gordon Brown discusses EU growth and jobs strategy

Talking alongside the newly appointed European President, Gordon Brown has urged for economic change to help Europe escape recession and create new growth and jobs.

Gordon Brown said plans for EU economic growth of just 0.7 per cent were 'too low', whilst EU unemployment set at 10 per cent was 'unacceptably high'. Instead the PM revealed new proposals for a European Union strategy which could see job creation of over 15 million across the continent.

Brown also stated that the strategy could also help increase Europe's output by 4 per cent or £436bn.

"At this critical point in Europe's history, we must now more than ever raise our level of ambition for Europe's future growth and employment" he said.

The PM continued, saying that a new strategy is required due to the slow pace of the Europeans planned economic recovery and un-ambitious growth targets. Mr Brown's planned strategy aims at giving the European Investment Bank further access to capital markets to help bring in private finance for new firms developing new technologies.

The strategy also looks at reviewing state aid rules, public procurement processes to support new ventures and the EU budget. Brown also wants to focus heavily on the promotion and support of low-carbon development and high-end technology.

Job Centre Vacancies says: 15 million new jobs is a big statement from the PM. The new strategy which will be discussed in further detail in a special meeting in February is essential for the UK. Half of our international trade is with the EU; more than 3 million of our jobs depend on Europe and their recovery from the recession.

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