Nicosia, 06/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The president of the European Commission stressed in Nicosia on Friday 6 July that for an aid programme to be successful the country must take ownership of it. He said it would be a mistake to think that it is something which is imposed from outside, and he stressed that this ownership is “crucial”. He continued, at this press conference held jointly with President Demetris Christofias of Cyprus, by saying that it is important to realise that not all financial problems will be solved through the intervention of external aid. The question is rather how the country itself is going to buckle down to the challenges and that is where taking ownership of its programme is important.
Support of the population. Barroso called the Cypriots to find consensus amongst themselves on their aid programme. “As far as possible, you need to find a wide consensus between you to support the programme. It won't be easy, certain short term measures are difficult to take. It's the only way to bring about benefit for the citizen, to create jobs and growth”, he said. “You need to take responsibility for the situation by trying to have the support, or at least dialogue, with society. When the heads of state have the courage to give these explanations there is a good chance that all will turn out well”, Barroso added.
In Barroso's opinion, the countries whose efforts are paying off are those where the governments are investing at the national level and trying to reconcile the efforts of all the different actors. It is the countries which say what to do without external intervention, he continued. He stressed it even more by saying that the governments whose efforts have been crowned with success are those who have said what to do without outside intervention. “We need courage to say that we must proceed to reforms”, he said (our translation throughout).
Weak leaders. Barroso believes that the lack of ownership can be explained by the lack of necessary leadership. The leaders are weak and do not have the courage to explain the situation, he went on. He also reminded his listeners that decisions are not “imposed”. There is no programme without unanimous agreement, he stated. (CG/transl.fl)