Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, on topics that are subject of today's and tomorrow's European Council (25-26 March 2010) in Brussels.


Economic Crisis (Greece) - There is no solidarity without responsibility

"Sometimes there is no choice, and only painful reforms allow the state to go through a difficult period.  As the Prime Minister of Poland, I had to carry out to such reforms. Sometimes the political price to pay is huge.  I know that the Greek government needs support to carry out the reforms."

"Today, in the case of Greece, there is one pre-condition.  Greece needs to show responsibility and to achieve the announced reforms.  There is no solidarity without responsibility."

"The crisis proves that we need to strengthen economic governance in the EU.  Only in this way will EU economic and monetary policy work properly. The present crisis shows clearly that the Stability and Growth Pact is necessary.  It should be strictly respected."

"We need to maintain the stability of the euro.  It is important for the euro-zone, also for countries that are outside and want to join, but also for those who do not intend to do so. The euro is a symbol of our European success."


European External Action Service (EEAS) - regret the proposal of HR/VP Ashton

"I regret that the proposal which Baroness Ashton has delivered today, does not take on board some of the points which are crucial for the Parliament."

"The Parliament has a clear view on this, a view I share, and I believe that we need to take the time to get it right at the beginning, rather than create an institution which will not be effective or transparent."

"The position of the European Parliament is constructive and should be respected. We should continue to negotiate between ourselves until we get this right."

"I appeal that in the debate on the EEAS the voice of the European Parliament is heard and considered. This is a powerful voice.  In order to obtain fast results which suit everyone, the EP's voice needs to be seriously taken into account in this debate."

"The Service should be accountable to Parliament in budgetary terms.  It is essential that the EEAS is included in the annual budget discharge process."

"The European Parliament supports the application of the principle of geographical balance in matters of personnel within the EEAS.  We are not looking for the right of one or another Member State to have its own quota on personnel, but rather to have strong and effective diplomacy."

"We believe that there should be hearings in the EP Foreign Affairs Committee of future ambassadors and special envoys of the EU."


Strategy for Europe 2020 - should be binding and targeted

"The European Commission proposal at this stage raises more questions than answers.  The strategy must be concrete and as binding and as targeted as the Single Market project was in the early 90s. By learning from the mistakes of the Lisbon Strategy, we must abandon the "open method of coordination".  It has brought so far weak results."

"Only a modern strategy will allow us to cope with the crisis and to strengthen Europe's role as a global player."

"This strategy must be tailored to each country.  We must take concrete action, taking into account the foundations of the common market. We need in the EU to invest in new technologies and education.  But the strengthening of the competitiveness of the European economy is also investment in infrastructure.  We need to invest more in new technologies, and, at the same time, provide an up-to-date infrastructure - both of the modern kind of high-speed data links and energy interconnections, and the traditional kind of bricks and mortar for our roads and bridges.  Thanks to this strategy, we must unlock the potential of our region. It involves the strengthening of cohesion policy. In this way, will ensure sustainable growth without social exclusion."


Climate change - concrete results needed

"In Mexico when we meet in Cancun, we need to get concrete decisions. But to achieve this, we must implement what we committed ourselves to as quickly as possible."

"We need to effectively engage with China, India, Brazil as well as the USA, otherwise the fight against climate change does not make sense."

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For further information:
Inga Rosińska
Spokeswoman
Mobile: +32 (0)498 981 354