04/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 4 June, European social partners passed on their joint declaration on the EU 2020 strategy to the Commission president, José Manuel Barroso, and his commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, Laszlo Andor. The declaration strengthens social dialogue at both European and national levels and places emphasis on an ambitious growth strategy, which is the key for stimulating European economic recovery. The declaration calls for an increase in the EU's rate of growth at an average of at least 2% in coming years. This could entail the creation of 6.5 million additional jobs and a public debt consolidation of €450 billion. (G.B./transl.jl)