HD

Speaking ahead of the European Council (29/30 October 2009 in Brussels), Jerzy Buzek President of the European Parliament, made the following remarks on the issues which will be discussed by the Heads of State or Government:

• "In order to have the Treaty of Lisbon ratified soon Member States need to seriously consider the request put forward by the Czech President Václav Klaus".

• "On the issue of climate change - in Copenhagen, in December, we will need to find an agreement which will not only fit the EU but the entire world. Decisions taken there will influence generations to come".

• "However before we go to Copenhagen, in our own backyard we need to make some decisions, and fast. An agreement on burden sharing between the EU Member States must be reached. Solidarity starts at home, before it will be shown to the outside world".

• "On energy security - work on the directive on the security of gas supply needs to be stepped up. The risks of cuts to gas supply are not over yet.  We need decisions about the common purchase of gas.  In the XX century we needed coal and steel. Today we need guaranteed clean energy. That is why we need to create a European Energy Community".

• "Regarding the economic crisis and recovery - regulation of the financial markets can not be the only outcome. We need to find ways of stimulating growth and getting people back to work".

• "As far as the position of the permanent European Council President is concerned, this person should be a "chairman or chairwoman" rather than a President. At the same time it should be considered that a woman could and should occupy this position. Appointing a woman would send a positive signal".

• "On Europe's role in the world - we will discuss at the Council meeting the European External Action Service. The European Parliament considers that it should be administratively part of the European Commission. Providing this will help strengthen the community method. It is important to bear in mind that the Service should be geographically balanced in terms of staff, in order to show balance of the EU of 27 Member States, united in diversity".


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For further information:
Inga Rosińska, Spokesperson
Mobile: +32 498 981 354