EU leaders agree on framework to tackle debt woes

BRUSSELS / LONDON - European Union leaders agreed a five-element framework of a comprehensive strategy to root out fiscal and economic woes, the details of which will be announced after an evening summit on Wednesday.

The framework, agreed on Sunday after EU and eurozone leaders' summits, will promote growth and jobs with promises of substantial fiscal injections, though the majority of the 27 countries are deeply indebted.

Observers said European leaders' emphasis on jobs and growth can help pave the way for countries such as China to play a role in helping Europe stave off an economic crisis.