Brussels, 30/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - Presenting mid-term results for the Spanish EU Presidency, Diego Lopez Garrido, Spain's Secretary of State for the EU, was pleased that most of the Presidency's objectives had been met. He said results were positive, and that economic successes include: - launch of the strategy for growth and jobs for the coming decade (EU 2020 strategy), which also incorporates the gender perspective, as well as the first steps taken towards European economic governance, especially with regard to the eurozone and the strengthening of this area.
“The Spanish Presidency has coordinated the European strategy to channel economic recovery in the European Union, a fundamental priority of our six months at the helm of the Council”, Garrido explained in a press release published on the Presidency's website. He said the Spanish government has been: (1) untiring in its battle against the economic crisis and in launching a new model for growth and employment generation for the coming decade; (2) effective in applying the Treaty of Lisbon; (3) supportive in showing solidarity to the victims of natural disasters in Haiti and Chile, and also to Greece, a member of the euro area experiencing financial difficulties; (4) a leader in the battle against climate change; (5) a champion for Europe, giving the EU a single voice in the world; and (6) pro-people, working to extend individuals' rights and ensure equality between men and women.
In relation to issues outstanding for the last three months of the Spanish EU Presidency, Diego Lopez Garrido said the Presidency would do everything possible to gain the broadest consensus possible on approval of the directive on hedge funds, as well as on the directive concerning gender violence and the protection of victims. Garrido went on to add that the Presidency also hopes the Stockholm action plan will be approved during this half year. The Presidency has also made progress with regards legislative proposals on combating fraud, the taxation of savings, tobacco, electronic billing, procedural rights, the fight against human trafficking and displaced workers. (G.B./transl.jl)