Warsaw, 01/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - Giving precedence to solidarity within the EU while ensuring there is economic growth - that is the ambitious programme of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He set out his plans to European journalists invited to Warsaw to witness Poland's taking over of the rotating presidency of the EU Council on Friday 1 July. The Polish prime minister wished to give the image of an optimistic, Europe-friendly, united and ambitious Poland. The presidency of the EU Council provides an opportunity to “defend the Polish point of view”. But what does that consist of?, one might ask. It consists of wholeheartedly stating that “what is most important in the EU is the Community aspect of integration and not national interests” - a project that gives rise to great expectations in the face of mounting euro-scepticism and given the current climate of gloom. To achieve this, said Donald Tusk, true “political leadership” is essential. This resolve to assert the role of the Council as guarantor of stability in Europe is expected to have a substantial impact in key areas over the next six months.
The biggest dossier that awaits the Polish Presidency is no doubt that regarding the financial crisis and Greek sovereign debt crisis. The Polish prime minister took the view that Greece alone is not responsible for the current situation - and it is certainly not alone in finding itself in difficulty. It is rather a “symbol, a victim, while being the co-author” of a deeper financial crisis that has affected the whole of Europe. Thus, focusing solely on Greece, blaming it and imposing draconian austerity measures upon it is neither fair nor equitable, the Polish head of government said. The success of the vote at the Greek parliament on Wednesday 29 June “shows the resolve to act together”. The role of the Polish Presidency will thus consist of “finalising and setting in place the six legislative proposals on economic governance (known as the six-pack)” so that the Greek vote on the new austerity measures do not serve as an “alibi” for some states to stop providing financial aid to Greece. Nonetheless, other states could also need EU aid, but such aid “cannot be based solely on didacticism”, or consist of “always asking for more”. To a question on what Poland's role in this dossier should be, when it is not part of the eurozone, Prime Minister Tusk said that the presidency held by Poland's finance minister, Jacek Rostowski, of Ecofin Council meetings, should suffice for him to be well informed of, or even influence, decisions taken by the Eurogroup.
Another priority of the Polish Presidency of the Council of Ministers will be the EU Eastern Neighbourhood policy. The first objective is to successfully organise a summit on 28 and 29 September, he said. The Polish prime minister announced he wished to conclude negotiations with Ukraine by the end of 2011 on the association agreement and on the free trade agreement (FTA). Another state that should receive favour is Moldova, he added. With regard to Croatia, he said with delight, “there is no longer any political brake being put on”. He went on to add that he will himself take the accession treaty to Zagreb. The “united” aspect of the EU will also be seen in talks on the 2014-2020 budget. Prime Minister Donald Tusk took the view that the whole question is that of knowing how many Community interests there are at stake, and how many national interests. As in the past, “I have witnessed hypocrisy”, he concluded on that question.
The prime minister summarised his programme as seeking the “strengthening of European institutions”, fighting “selfishness”, safeguarding the foundations of the EU, like the Schengen area, and boosting economic growth. One might wonder whether Poland is likely to keep to such an ambitious programme. Having a compatriot as the president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, and also as the commissioner for financial planning and the budget, Janusz Lewandowski, are undeniable assets for this new Council Presidency. Nonetheless, the prime minster wishes to warn that the stakes are “enormous” and that the role of EU Presidency has been far more restricted since the Lisbon Treaty took effect. Furthermore, Poland must also face the consequences of the financial crisis. Despite economic results that place it uppermost in the European basket, demonstrations organised by the trade union, Solidarnosc, from the very first day of the presidency, together with parliamentary elections scheduled for October, mean this Presidency will be faced with the challenge of survival, not so much for Europe as for the government under Donald Tusk. (J.K./transl.jl)