Brussels, 24/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - After receiving the new president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, on Tuesday 24 January, the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, said he would put proposals to EU leaders on 30 January to kick-start growth in the EU.
Barroso said they needed to continue in their effort to improve the budgetary situation. More discipline is needed, he said, adding that member states must comply with the commitments taken, for example within the context of the Stability and Growth Pact. However, he acknowledged, one cannot build Europe on the idea of discipline and sanctions alone. Europe also needs “convergence, solidarity and hope”. That is why he hopes that the European Council on 30 January will examine, in earnest, certain of the proposals being prepared by the Commission in order to give fresh momentum to growth. The proposals, to be unveiled at the European Council on 30 January, will come within the context of the EUROPE 2020 strategy. Barroso evoked the following ideas: - some funds not yet distributed should be made available to be allocated to growth and employment priorities; - unemployment, and especially youth unemployment, must be reduced; - and support must be given to SMEs to create more jobs.
Barroso said Schulz's election to the post of EP president may make a very important contribution to cooperation between the EP and the Commission and to taking forward the project for a more ambitious Europe. (LC/transl.jl)