Build better Europe together for everyone: Swedish PM

"Together -- and only together -- can we build a better Europe for everyone," said Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven in his closing address at EU Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth held in Sweden on Friday.

The Summit, held in Western Swedish city of Gothenburg, provided a platform for discussions among EU leaders on how to promote fair jobs and growth. Representatives from the EU Commission and EU members, more than 30 different organizations and actors attended the event on Friday.

"Our discussions today have shown that there is a clear commitment to put the interest of our people at the heart of the EU agenda." said Lofven.

"There is a willingness to act to create a more inclusive, fair and social Europe. And if we move from words to action, we can further strengthen Europe's already expanding economy," he added.

In an opinion article published Friday on Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet, Lovfen said Europe had faced many challenges over the last decade.

"The financial crisis had a major impact on our economies and our social fabric. Unemployment, poverty and inequality had reached unacceptably high levels across Europe, and we have seen growing concern among individuals and rising distrust of political solutions, paving the way for xenophobia and populism. At the same time, digitalisation and globalisation, as well as new lifestyles and an aging population, are changing the very way we live and work."he said.

"Thanks to determined action, Europe is now slowly but steadily turning the page: average growth in the EU is back above 2 percent, more than 8 million jobs have been created over the last three years, unemployment is down to a nine-year low and employment levels are reaching an all-time high." said Lofven.

"To further restore trust and hope in the future, EU Member States and institutions need to show resolve and commitment," said Lofven, emphasizing that, "The responsibility for this starts locally, regionally and nationally -- and should include social partners at all levels in Europe."