Skills matter more than ever in the EU employment market - and investing more funding in them will help the continent recover from the financial crisis.

This is according to Laszlo Andor, commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, who discussed Europe-wide plans to create an inclusive, sustainable and smart culture with better skills to help member states become more prosperous.

He added that up-skilling was needed urgently, although it is also important to better match required talents to the labor market's needs.

"Up-skilling, matching and anticipating - we could make this our mantra," Mr Andor suggested.

The proposal in question is named Europe 2020 and considers new directions for member states over the next decade.

Earlier this week, strategic priorities for the coming year were adopted by the commission, with a list of 34 goals identified.

These complement a further 280 proposals set out for achievement across a longer time period.