Barroso calls for 'better understanding' of social issues

Future EU policy should "re-focus" to take account of social problems, according to commission president José Manuel Barroso.

Speaking at a European Policy Centre debate on Tuesday, he said the "well-being" of society could not be measured only by its "gross domestic product."

Other factors have to also be considered such as quality of life and work, he said.

He said the economic downturn had deteriorated into a crisis for society at large, adding, "That is why the first priority of the new commission will be in tackling joblessness.

"It is also the reason why social issues now assume a higher priority than before the crisis," he said.

Barroso was launching "Well-being 2030," a new, two-year research project, part funded by the commission, which aims to investigate the major trends that will "shape" EU policy over the next few years.

He said the was a need for a "better understanding" of "collective well being", adding, "this will enable us to better steer social and economic policy and plan for the future."

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