This site has been archived on (2014/11/01)
01/11/14

Navigation path

New multiannual budget must have means to address the major social challenges

Werner Faymann, Austrian Federal Chancellor and President Barroso © EU

Meeting Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann in Vienna, President Barroso discussed the upcoming European Council on the MFF 2014 -2020 as an instrument for growth, jobs and solidarity. He pleaded in favour of stepping up the fight against youth unemployment which is a serious concern to him.

Answering questions by journalists after the meeting, President Barroso specified that he will insist that the future budget allows for a new instrument, for example under the reshaped European Social Fund, dedicated to the fight against youth unemployment.

He also regretted that the debate so far was about "cuts, cuts, cuts" instead of looking at what the budget – as the most important tool for European investment - can deliver in terms of growth and jobs. He confirmed: "At the same time we are realistic and are working for a compromise, a decent compromise."

He praised Austria for its frontrunner role on issues like the youth guarantee and the dual vocational training system. He also underlined that Austria has been a driving force behind the Financial Transaction Tax – and labeled the agreement to introduce it in 11 Member States as "a victory of fairness". He announced that the Commission would very soon table its legislative proposal for these 11 Member States.

On the same day in the morning, President Barroso also participated in the opening session of the R20 conference in Vienna devoted to sustainable energy and climate change.

Read the President's full statement

Watch video