Dublin, 10/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - During a press conference with President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso on Thursday 10 January, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said that Ireland intended to play a very important role in the eurozone's economic recovery by putting an end to its financial assistance programme this year. Ireland's recovery is in the EU's interest because it shows that the others can do the same, he said shortly afterwards. You can count on the European Commission's support, Barroso added.
In the opinion of Eamon Gilmore, the Irish minister for foreign affairs, Europeans need to keep hope in this European Year of Citizens. And one of the things that will bring hope would be Ireland's exit from its aid programme, he added, convinced of the importance of showing that a country in difficulty, if it fights, can come out of it and can come out of a programme. Asking that the focus be on the recovery, rather than on the situation of countries whose situation is becoming worse, he said that Ireland was on the right track to ending the programme by the end of the year.
Stability, growth and jobs. The Irish Presidency again recalled its priorities. In addition to the banking union which will develop through the single supervisory mechanism for banks under the aegis of the ECB, and the harmonisation of deposit guarantee schemes, Ireland wants to concentrate on the negotiations with the European Parliament on the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework. External trade will occupy an important place with the aim of giving the Commission a mandate for negotiations for free trade talks with the United States. Progress is also anticipated in creating a digital single market and also on youth employment with a youth guarantee.
Barroso described this programme as ambitious and realistic, saying that the Commission shared Ireland's vision of putting the emphasis on results. Ireland has proved itself and is an enthusiastic member that is working hard in the EU, he added, convinced that this seventh Irish Presidency will be an asset at this crucial time in the EU's history. Kenny indeed recalled that his country was a strong supporter of the Community method, and he spoke about the central role that the Commission must play. He said that they would work hand in hand. (CG/transl.fl)