Brussels, 15/05/2013 (Agence Europe) -During his meeting on Wednesday 15 May with the College of European Commissioners, François Hollande, the French president promised to continue reforms to obtain greater competitiveness despite the recession currently affecting EU countries. During a press conference with José Manuel Barroso, he stated that correcting competitiveness disparities were more important to him than correcting budget deficits.
François Hollande pointed out that France was in recession (0.2% fall in growth during the last quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013). He welcomed the Commission's “pragmatism” with regard to the two-year deadline given to France for bringing its public deficit under the 3% GDP threshold. He promised that time had to be spent on reforming competitiveness and the subsequent growth that would ensue. Hollande highlighted the reforms already begun since his arrival in office (competitiveness pact, reform of the labour market and banking reform). He also indicated, however, that “we have to continue not because Europe is asking us to do so because it is in the interest of France”. He criticised the problem of eurozone competitiveness disparities that were preventing coherency in economic policy.
François Hollande stated that “I want Europe to demonstrate the same determination to achieve growth as it has demonstrated in reducing deficits” and rejected any idea to, “set up an alliance with Italy against Germany” because this would not be in the interests of Europe.
José Manuel Barroso, the president of the Commission said that, “France and the Commission agree on the urgent need to relaunch the driving force of growth in Europe together”. He advised France to “speed up structural reforms needed for growth” and put a stop to its declining competitiveness. On 29 May, the Commission will present its individual country reforms for growth and employment. They are expected to be endorsed by the European Council in June.
On the subject of the free trade agreement with the United States, Barroso asserted that, “the Commission will not negotiate what is currently within the domain of cultural exception, namely quotas in the audiovisual sector and state subsidies”. The president of the Commission added that the audiovisual sector should not be excluded from the agreement but cultural exemption was not negotiable. Barroso confirmed that the Commission is expected to present an action plan for the steel industry on 5 June (our translation throughout). (LC/trans.fl)