Brussels, 08/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso praised Poland on Friday 8 July for its commitment to working closely with the EU's institutions during its presidency, saying that Warsaw's approach would help the 27-nation Union confront its many challenges. During a break in talks in Warsaw between commissioners and Polish ministers, Barroso also pledged that Brussels would be a loyal partner over the semester. Visibly at ease with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Barroso thanked him for his vision, with “the community approach and solidarity as the guiding lights of Europe”. Tusk said the meeting had confirmed to him how important it is for the EU's institutions to work hand-in-hand. “It has confirmed our mutual intentions of close cooperation, so that a maximum number of decisions are truly communal in nature”, he said.
Poland's main priorities over the next six months are to inject new life into the economy as it reforms economic management and prepares the next long-term EU budget, tackle climate issues and strengthen partnerships with Europe's neighbours. In Warsaw, ministers and commissioners held separate talks on the main themes of the presidency, including the single market, EU patents and the controversial Common Agricultural Policy, which eats up around 40 percent of the budget. (LoC)