The EU is set to draw up national action plans, in a fresh bid to reach its goal of becoming the most competitive economy in the World by 2010.

The recommendations for national action plans will come in a report, which will be presented to EU leaders next month, drawn up by former Dutch premier Wim Kok.

The report is widely expected to conclude that the EU remains a long way off its target.

The Financial Times reports that the national action plans will focus on creating growth and jobs.