国际英语新闻：EU sets sustainable recovery as top priority for 2011

BRUSSELS, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission adopted on Wednesday its strategic priorities for 2011, with a special focus on sustainable recovery.

"The work program adopted today will ensure that recovery is sustained into the new year and beyond," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso declared early this week.

The work program adopted by the commission for 2011 will cover five main areas, ranging from finance to foreign affairs, and from citizen's rights to growth.

As a first priority, EU will work on sustaining the social market economy out of the crisis and beyond, through regulation of the financial sector and protection of consumers.

European flags are seen outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels June 30, 2010.

Secondly, Europe will focus on restoring growth for jobs by setting up new frames and mechanisms to support enterprises and workers.

Thirdly, the EU will pursue its work on strengthening citizens' rights, freedom and justice in the bloc.

The fourth priority of the EU will be to pull its weight on the global stage by supporting the new European External Action Service and improving international assistance capacities.

Finally, authorities will work on making the most of EU policies through, for instance, a proposal for the next Multi- annual Financial Framework, prevalence of smart regulation and longer Consultation period.

"Our policies need to reflect our ongoing commitment to creating sustainable growth and jobs based on the Europe 2020 Strategy and we need to concentrate on initiatives where the EU can bring a real value-added," Barroso said.