Meeting with Mr Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia
The meeting on the eve of the European Council focused on the Council preparations and on the economic situation in Slovenia as well as in the rest of the European Union.
"I welcome Prime Ministers Janša's backing for the Commission's economic strategy, the need to go for consolidation and growth. I believe tomorrow's European Council will endorse a growth initiative which brings together many important ideas the Commission has put on the table over the past eighteen months," said President Barroso "as well as his support for an EU budget that is commensurate to our common goals of boosting growth, competitiveness and employment in Europe."
On the occasion of 20th anniversary of Slovenia's independence the President congratulated the Slovenians on their "impressive European success story". At the same time, he encouraged the country and the Prime Minister to continue pursuing necessary reforms and strive towards sustainability of its public finances, namely through endorsement of Country-Specific Recommendations presented on 30 May.