EU leaders tackle Brussels' role in fight against poverty

Most of the EU's 27 leaders made the trip to the banks of the Douro river in the Portuguese city of Porto where activists were also gathered to argue that social issues should be a European priority.

A handful of leaders, notably German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, were to attend only by videoconference, still concerned over spreading the coronavirus. 

The meeting began Friday with conferences bringing together representatives of civil society and trade unionists, as French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders attended workshops.

"We are living unprecedented times," delegates said, in a statement dubbed the Porto Social Commitment, calling for "a transition towards a green, socially just and digital economy".

"With unemployment and inequalities increasing due to the pandemic, it is important to channel resources where they are most needed to strengthen our economies and to focus our policy efforts on equal opportunities."

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told the talks, held in Porto's imposing old customs house, this "very important social summit comes at the absolutely right time, we've been through a very tough year." 

Social issues such as jobs, training and combatting poverty need to be an "absolute priority" and show that "Europe can deliver", she added. 

The events are being held just days after Portugal, with one of the lowest coronavirus incidence rates in Europe, entered the final phase of lifting Covid restrictions.