16/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - Following the European Council, UMP MEP Alain Lamassoure made the following statement: “From the Russia-Georgia crisis to the Work financial crisis, Nicolas Sarkozy has really put his foot on the accelerator of European integration. Europe exists. It has a leadership. It can unite in times of the most serious crises. It speaks with one voice and acts as one. It can -, within a few days, find radically new solutions to the financial crisis, while adopting a common policy on immigration and staying in the lead in combating climate change. More than ever, the European Union needs the institutions Lisbon Treaty would bring, which will allow it to retain this same effectiveness and influence lasting well beyond an unfortunately fleeting Presidency”. (O.J./transl.rt)