Headlines
Message of condolence to Germany following the train crash
31/01/2011
President Barroso sent a message of condolence to Germany after the terrible train crash on Saturday evening, 29 January, south west of Magdeburg. President Barroso said: "On behalf of the European Commission I offer my sincere condolences and the expression of my deepest sympathy with the families and friends of the victims."
5th Cohesion Forum
31/01/2011
President Barroso stressed that cohesion policy helps to alleviate disparities and spread growth and prosperity. "It is and will remain a policy for everyone that benefits everyone. It nurtures the future of the European Union. That is why we must renew it. The European Union cannot be competitive if our regions are not competitive." He left no doubt about the need to focus it on Europe 2020. "Combined with structural reforms and a stable macroeconomic framework it is a crucial asset for growth."
Meeting with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk
31/01/2011
President Barroso and Polish Prime Minister Tusk discussed the forthcoming Polish Presidency of the Council and the more immediate tasks that Europe must address. In fact, this week we have a very important European Council," said president Barroso and explained that European leaders will not only discuss energy and innovation this Friday as initially foreseen, but also, after European Commission launched the Annual Growth Survey a couple of weeks ago, economic situation.
Meeting with Prime Minister of Serbia Mr Mirko Cvetković
31/01/2011
After the meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Cvetković President Barroso commended Serbia's work and urged it to sustain its efforts. "It is important that Serbia continues addressing the issues identified in the 2010 Progress Report," he added and explained that full cooperation with the ICTY, an essential condition for EU membership, strengthening the rule of law and dialogue with Kosovo were key issues Serbia has to address.
Meeting of President Barroso and Chancellor Merkel in Berlin
25/01/2011
President Barroso and Chancellor Merkel met in Schloss Meseberg close to Berlin. They had an open and amicable exchange of views, in particular on the forthcoming European Council. They also discussed the financial stability of the euro area and the strengthened coordination of fiscal and economic policies in the EU. They both agreed on the need for a comprehensive crisis response to reassure the markets and European citizens about the capacity of the EU to tackle the debt crisis of some member states.
Barroso receives the President of Hungary, Pàl Schmitt
Tools and political will need to go hand in hand to make our action credible.
26/01/2011
President Barroso received Hungarian President, Pàl Schmitt, in Brussels. According to President Barroso, they had a "fruitful discussion on the economic situation and on the launch of the first European semester". President Barroso stressed the need for a strong and coherent approach to economic governance during the Hungarian presidency. He also underlined the importance of energy issues and the internal energy market, stating "I see energy policy as the next great European integration project".
Message following the Moscow airport bombing
25/01/2011
After the terrorist attack at the Domodedovo airport outside Moscow President Barroso strongly condemned this cowardly act. He said: "I send my heartfelt condolences to the government and to the people of the Russian Federation, and in particular to the families and the loved ones of the victims. My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with them in these terrible moments."
Brussels think tank dialogue 2011
25/01/2011
In a dialogue with the representatives of think tanks, President Barroso spoke of the credibility of the European Union in relation to economic governance and in relation to Europeans. "I think the crisis was a stark reminder of the need to input stronger political will," said the President and added that in the European Commission "we are doing everything we can to give a sense of urgency – to show that this crisis is also an opportunity for doing what was sometimes postponed in the past."
Meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
25/01/2011
President Barroso and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte mainly addressed economic and financial issues in their meeting today. President Barroso said that they agreed on the need to reform Europe’s economic governance and added that "for more stability, we need more fiscal discipline. That means closer surveillance and, if needed, sanctions against those who don't play by the rules. I am glad that the Netherlands is among the strongest supporters of the Commission’s proposals on the table."
Message of Condolence to Mr Shimon Peres, President of Israel
24/01/2011
President Barroso extended his sincerest condolences to His Excellency Mr Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, after learning of the passing of his wife.
Meeting with the President of Uzbekistan
24/01/2011
President Barroso received today the President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. Following the meeting, President Barroso said: "The EU follows a policy of critical, conditional and comprehensive engagement with Uzbekistan. I have raised all key concerns of Europe, notably regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. I believe it is through such a robust eye to eye dialogue, and not an empty-chair policy, that we can further the EU's unanimously agreed policy of engagement most effectively."
Official visit of President Barroso to Stuttgart 19-20 January
19/01/2011
President Barroso is on an official visit to the German Land Baden-Württemberg to meet the Minister-President Mappus and to deliver the "Stuttgart speech on Europe". He is also visiting two innovative and export-oriented companies. Ahead of the visit President Barroso said: "Baden-Württemberg is one of the leading regions in Europe concerning innovation, high-tech, successful small and medium-sized enterprises and export. An open European Single Market and a stable euro are important conditions for this."
President Barroso's Speech on Stability and Growth: Setting Europe on course
European Parliament Plenary Session
We are introducing a genuine European dimension into national budgetary and economic policy making.
18/01/2011
During Question Hour, President Barroso underlined the need to reinforce and widen the scope of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), stressing that "We have seen in the past that many analysts in the markets consider that the European Union and the euro area are reacting more than acting. We have to be ahead of the curve, not behind the curve". He emphasised that the Commission was not asking to increase the 440 billion euro ceiling but rather sought to increase the lending capacity of the EFSF.
Earlier on the same day, he expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the Belgian Council presidency. He recalled that during a time of crucial decision-making about European economic governance and difficult discussions on the 2011 EU budget, the European Union under the guidance of the Belgian presidency has demonstrated the willingness to do what it takes to ensure a stable and prosperous future for Europe.
During the post-European Council debate, President Barroso emphasised that in the wake of the last European Council conclusions, the new European Semester will combine tighter fiscal rules "by reinforcing the Stability and Growth Pact, with effective economic co-ordination. It offers 'ex ante' co-ordination which means we are discussing each other's policies, both economic and fiscal, before they are adopted."
During the Hungarian Presidency debate President Barroso explained the Hungarian Presidency motto "Strong Europe" where he stressed that "Europe is at its strongest and most effective when we are united; when we act in a coordinated manner, with strong institutions." In his speech he reiterated the Presidency's priorities and reconfirmed that he has "no doubt that this Presidency must be a success, coming at such a critical time for the EU."
Read the opening speech by the President
Watch the video of Barroso's opening speech
President's speech on the post-European Council debate
Watch the EP Plenary Session: Conclusions of the European Council meeting on 16 - 17/12/2010
President Barroso's speech on the Hungarian Presidency debate
Message of Congratulations to the Moldovan Prime Minister
17/01/2011
President Barroso congratulated Mr. Vlad Filat on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. In his message, the President noted that "This is a critical moment for your country. Following the mandate that you have been given, I am looking forward to your pursuing the needed political and economic reforms which will bring your country closer to the EU" and pledged the support of the European Commission "in dealing with the difficult challenges ahead".
Message of Condolence for Brazil
17/01/2011
President Barroso extended his deepest sympathy to His Excellency, Sérgio Cabral Filho, Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro, following the destruction and tragic loss of life caused by torrential rains in Rio de Janeiro. The President noted that our thoughts were with the bereaved families affected by this tragedy.
Official visit to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, 13 – 15 January
This new supply route will enhance the energy security of European consumers and businesses
13/01/2011
During his official visit to the Caucasus, President Barroso and the Azerbaijanian President Aliyev signed a Joint Declaration on gas delivery for Europe, with whitch Azerbaijan commits to supplying substantial volumes of gas over the long term to the European Union, while Europe provides access to its market for them. President Barroso stressed: "This new supply route will enhance the energy security of European consumers and businesses." The President is visiting Azerbijan and Turkmenistan together with Commissioner Oettinger.
In his speech at the University of Baku, Azerbaijan, President Barroso focused on the great achievements of European integration, on Europe’s relations with its immediate neighbourhood in the context of the Eastern Partnership and on the close partnership between the EU and Azerbaijan. President Barroso: "In today’s globalised world we need to work together to deal with challenges that we all face." The President also received an honorary doctorate.
Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan
Charting Europe's return to growth
12/01/2011
President Barroso stressed that we are in a real historic moment for Europe. "If it is not now - when? If it is not us - who will do it? If it is not now, in face of the biggest crisis we have since the beginning of the European integration, when are Member states ready to take real steps for economic policy that is consistent with the goals they have themselves stated? If it is hnot us, at European level, that take an encouraged attempt to take those decisions, who will do it?"
Annual Growth Survey: Start of the European Semester
A new phase of European integration begins. This is our economic governance in action.
12/01/2011
Europe has a comprehensive plan to respond to the crisis and to speed up Europe's economic growth. It now needs to focus its efforts in a coordinated manner and with an eye on priorities. That is what the Commission is presenting today. The Annual Growth Survey charts a clear direction in which Europe should be heading in the next year and is the start of the first "European Semester", which changes the way governments shape their economic and fiscal policies.
President Barroso stressed that we are in a real historic moment for Europe. "If it is not now - when? If it is not us - who will do it? If it is not now, in face of the biggest crisis we have since the beginning of the European integration, when are Member states ready to take real steps for economic policy that is consistent with the goals they have themselves stated? If it is hnot us, at European level, that take an encouraged attempt to take those decisions, who will do it?"
European semester: a new architecture for the new EU Economic governance - Q&A
Annual Growth Survey :Summary of the economic analysis and messages
President Barroso's speech on the Annual Growth Survey
Hungarian presidency committed to successful first implementation of the European Semester 
Statement of Mr. László Andor on the Annual Growth Survey
College visit to Budapest
We need to send a strong signal that Europe is 100% focused on building sustainable growth.
07/01/2011
President Barroso travelled with the College of Commissioners to Budapest to meet with the Hungarian Presidency of the European Council. After meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President Barroso confirmed that the Commission sees eye to eye with the Hungarian presidency on key political priorities, adding: "We need to send a strong signal that Europe is 100% focused on building sustainable growth and creating new opportunities for our citizens and businesses."
EU in 2011: A new phase in European integration
More economic governance and coordination is not an ideological dream. It is a pragmatic need
05/01/2011
2011 marks the start of a new phase in European integration aiming at a "real progress on stronger economic governance and policy coordination", stated President Barroso. "The Commission's proposals are on the table and we will keep driving this agenda." He pointed out that the two priority growth enhancing sectors, energy and innovation, will be the main topics at the next European Council. "2011 will not be easy, at times it will be painful. But we are not fire-fighting for financial stability. We are building a stronger and long-lasting architecture for the European economy" he said.
"I see energy policy as the next great European integration project" added President Barroso during the press point on growth and economic governance that followed the Commission meeting. "We need to accelerate the pace of implementation of the internal market. I would like the European Council to agree on the key missing infrastructure links and on how to remove all barriers to a truly European energy market", he added. The President firmly insisted on the importance of agreeing on concrete measures to reach the 20% target on energy sufficiency by 2020.
President Barroso reiterated that "innovation is essential to drive growth and employment". He added that Europe will be "either Open for Business or Out of Business, depending on the way it deals with innovation". The right framework at EU level and Member States backing for the Strategic Approach to Innovation are key "if we want to bring Europe to the cutting edge on innovation".
Message of sympathy on the extensive flooding in Australia
04/01/2011
In a message to Ms Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, President Barroso expressed his sympathy and condolences in relation to the current extensive flooding in Queensland. The President congratulated the Australian people and authorities on their impressive reaction to the disaster and stated that "the European Union stands ready to help out in any way it can".
Estonia, new member state in Euro zone
I am delighted that Estonia is joining the Euro
01/01/2011
President Barroso welcomed Estonia, a new member in Euro zone. "That brings us to 330 million people that now use our common currency and this is certainly good news for the citizens of Estonia and also for the businesses of Estonia and for the perspectives of growth in your country," said President Barroso and added: "The fact that you are able to join the euro only six years after your accession to the European Union is a real demonstration of your will and your competence."