国际英语新闻：EU envoy: Economic issue to dominate upcoming Asia-Europe meeting

Economists fear some economies will resort to full-scale protectionism to ensure domestic employment, which would harm free trade and pressure the world economy.

Abou said the consensus reached by Asian and European governments at the last ASEM in Beijing had "inspired" the solution forged at G20 summits in Washington and London.

Despite the progress made in the past two years, there is still a risk of another recession, Abou added.

He warned about the debt stimulus packages have led to.

"Because of the crisis and the stimulus plans, we have reached some pits in the budget situation," Abou said.

Under the theme "Quality of Life: Achieving Greater Well-being and More Dignity for all Citizens," the ASEM8 meeting will also discuss reform of the International Monetary Fund, climate change and environmental protection, and social and cultural exchange between Asia and Europe.

All in all, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss "how to better manage the planet," said the ambassador.