Brussels, 27 November 2009 In the political guidelines for the new Commission which I presented to the European Parliament in September, I set out why this is a time of great opportunity for Europe. Our ambition should be to use the next five years to put the enlarged Europe firmly on the path to a sustainable and successful future. I am delighted that you will be joining the Commission to work within these guidelines and to help deliver our agenda for 2020. The Commission is the essential motor for the European Union's efforts to address tomorrow's challenges and to use the benefits of the Lisbon Treaty to best effect. Europe needs a strong, political and dynamic Commission to offer the leadership and direction to drive this work forward. The portfolio for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion You will be the commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. As in the past, changing circumstances may also mean that I will need to take a fresh look at the mix of portfolios in the course of the mandate, and may change responsibilities accordingly. The first priority must be to do everything we can to stem rising unemployment, assisting those who have lost their jobs to get back into the labour market, thereby helping to prevent poverty and social exclusion. Recognising that employment policy is an area of shared responsibility, we can bring significant added value and help Member States to promote high ...