Barroso presents policy guidelines to European Parliament

BRUSSELS, Sept. 3 -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday presented policy guidelines for the mandate of the next commission to the president of the European Parliament.

Barroso, who is seeking a second term as commission president, set priorities for the European Commission during the next five years and beyond.

Among those priorities are making a successful exit from the current economic turmoil, being a world leader on climate change and promoting the global status of the European Union.

Barroso warned that the EU risks becoming irrelevant unless it has the ambition to shape the new world order.

"For Europe, this is a moment of truth," he said, "Europe has to answer a decisive question: Do we want to lead, shaping globalization on the basis of our values and our interests; or will we leave the initiative to others and accept an outcome shaped by them?"

Barroso said Europeans have to face the challenge together "or else we slide toward irrelevance."

The priority for the EU during the ongoing economic troubles, Barroso said, is to continue to sustain demand and stem a rise in unemployment.

"Europe must exit from the current crisis confident that it has a more ethical, robust and responsible financial system," he said.

Barroso also said the EU stands to benefit enormously from investing in new low-carbon technologies for future jobs and growth.

"Fighting climate change and the move toward a low-carbon economy provide huge opportunities for business and people and will enhance our energy security," he said.

Barroso has won the unanimous support of EU heads of state and government for a second term. The European Parliament was expected to vote on his second term later this month.