Brussels, 23/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 20 June, the president of Eurochambres, Christoph Leitl called on the president of the EP, Josep Borrell, to be the spearhead of European renewal, following the failure of the European Summit of 16-17 June. Leitl declared that “Now a strong parliament is needed more than ever, as the summit has clearly shown that national egotism leads to nowhere but to a harmful aggravation of the European crisis”. He added that “We do not necessarily have to agree on the 'lighter' option for the EU, which is a free-trade zone. Only the model of a strong political Union will allow us to cope successfully with the challenges of globalisation”. Mr Leitl considers that the reflection period advised by the summit for taking the pulse of European citizens on the EU's future has to become a period of action. He added that “We need to create jobs to regain the confidence of the EU citizens. The EP can play a key role for a growth and employment strategy”.