Brussels, 01/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Union leaders welcomed Poland as new president of the EU Council on 1st July, hopeful that Warsaw would be able to confront the massive challenges in Europe, chiefly the fallout from the sovereign debt crisis. “We count on Poland to work with us now on a positive programme of economic growth and of boosting employment. We can do more. We can do better”, said EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy, after talks with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski. He said Poland faces “an intense period of six months” at the EU's helm, as it seeks to spark growth, support the ambitions of Western Balkan nations and improve ties with eastern neighbours, including Russia.
European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek, who is Polish, said Warsaw would have its work cut out as it endeavours to re-launch the economy with the new long-term EU budget and a strengthened internal market. “Poland's enthusiasm and creativity are especially needed to overcome the atmosphere of caution and doubt that has gathered … as a result of the sovereign debt crisis. I hope that the zeal and passion of the Poles will prove contagious and improve the mood in the EU”, he said. The European People's Party, which includes the Polish government among its ranks, also expressed hope that Prime Minister Donald Tusk would be able to help move Europe forward. “In the next six months, numerous challenges lie ahead such as fostering economic growth, kick-starting the discussions for the new multiannual EU budget (2014-2020) and the reinforcement of the neighbourhood policy”, said EPP Group leader Wilfried Martens. “It is an ambitious agenda which PM Tusk will surely implement with great success”, he added. (LoC)