Speeches
European Business Summit
30/06/2010
President Barroso explained how the Europe 2020 strategy will contribute to
putting Europe back on track and how this will be strengthened through the
Commission's proposals for economic governance. He stressed that growth is the
answer: "The question is how to promote growth," the president said and
added: "We need to restore confidence. Without confidence, no growth. That
is why we need fiscal consolidation. And we also need structural
reform."
EU economic governance
"We need to strengthen economic governance in Europe."
30/06/2010
The Commission adopted a Communication outlining a set of tools to
strengthen the economic governance of the EU. President Barroso said:
"Today, the Commission is putting forward ambitious proposals which will
bring concrete progress. Through the "European Semester" we can give
coherence to European monitoring. This is logical and necessary. And through an
incentive system that applies sanctions further upstream, we are giving
ourselves the tools to act whenever it is necessary."
Read the Communication and the specifications on the Stability and Growth Pact
Visit of the president of the Committee of the Regions, Mercedes Bresso
29/06/2010
After the meeting with the president of the Committee of the Regions,
Mercedes Bresso, and representatives of the regions and cities of Europe,
president Barroso said: "Together we will be able to put the European Union
on the necessary path to fiscal consolidation and structural reform that will
help us in ensuring sustainable growth and jobs. I am looking forward to a
fruitful dialogue and I count on the close involvement of regions and cities in
the implementation of our Europe 2020 strategy."
Congratulation to Ms Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia
29/06/2010
President Barroso congratulated the new Prime Minister of Australia, H.E. Ms
Julia Gillard, on her appointment. He expressed his wish to continue
strengthening the important bilateral relationship between the European Union
and Australia and to tackle global challenges together, in particular climate
change. President Barroso: "Both the EU and Australia also have a
responsibility to ensure the G20 process delivers on its efforts to bring
growth and market stability our citizens. We need to improve global financial
and economic governance."
From G8 to G20: Introductory remarks by President Barroso
"Global governance is working."
27/06/2010
After the G8 summit President Barroso said: "I presented the situation of the European economy and all partners acknowledged the decisive European action. There was mutual understanding on how to bolster fragile growth." Barroso also set out his expectations for the G20 summit.
European Commission and European Council joint statement following the G20
"We have kept the momentum for global coordination on economic matters."
27/06/2010
In a joint statement following the G20, European Commission President
Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy declared: "In Toronto,
the G20 has proven to be what it said it would be: the premier forum for
international economic cooperation. We have kept the momentum for global
coordination on economic matters (...)". "The G20 comes out stronger.
G20 leaders have demonstrated clear common resolve to create strong,
sustainable and balanced global growth. The Summit's result reflects widespread
convergence around Europe's approach".
Introductory remarks at the G8 summit
"The world cannot thrive on imbalances."
25/06/2010
At a joint press conference with President H. Van Rompuy, President Barroso
welcomed the preparatory work done by the Canadian Prime Minister Harper. Mr
Barroso said: "The EU's message for our two summits here in Canada is
clear: We must not allow the resolve for global coordinated action to weaken.
We must rebuild confidence and the conditions for sustainable growth. And we
must deliver on our promises to the world's poor."
Message of condolence to the Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero
24/06/2010
President Barroso sent the message of condolences to Prime Minister Zapatero on the tragic train accident in Spain. He said: "I have just been informed about the terrible train accident that took place last night in Castelldefels. The passing away of twelve people, most of them young people, knocked over by the train, is a tragedy and provokes in me a special emotion." President Barroso also expressed his condolences to the victims and the tragedy it represents for the families.
Debate on the outcome of the European Council
23/06/2010
Speaking in the debate on the outcome of the European Council in the
European Parliament, president Barroso stressed that the results of the last
European Council went beyond simply adding up national approaches. "It
delivered a truly European perspective in three areas in particular on economic
governance, financial regulation and supervision, and on the Europe 2020
strategy, which is now accepted as the EU's strategy for economic
growth."
Congratulations to Mrs Mari Kiviniemi, Prime Minister of Finland
23/06/2010
President Barroso congratulated the new Finnish Prime Minister, Mrs Mari
Kiviniemi: "I would like to warmly congratulate you on behalf of the
European Commission and on a personal basis, as you take up your new duties as
Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland. I am looking forward to working with
you to continue the tradition of excellent co-operation between the Finnish
government and the European Commission as we tackle shared challenges such as
economic recovery, energy security and climate change."
Statement on the agreement on the European External Action Service
22/06/2010
President Barroso welcomed the political agreement reached on the European
External Action Service in Madrid. He stated: "The European Commission
wants the European External Action Services to become operational as soon as
possible and today's political agreement in Madrid is a major step forward. I
will continue to work closely with the other European institutions to make sure
that all the next steps are taken as swiftly as possible."
Speech at the Conference at the European University Institute, Florence
21/06/2010
President Barroso focused on the European Union and multilateral global
governance. "I wish to make the case for the EU's role in reinforcing
multilateral rules and institutions at the global level," he said and added
that multilateralism is the right mechanism to build order and governance in a
multipolar world, and the EU is well-placed to make a decisive contribution.
"I believe that the European Union can play an important role in the
reinforcement of multilateral global institutions."
The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
"We are committed to creating a fairer and more inclusive society where everyone can live with dignity."
18/06/2010
Welcoming the "VIVA EUROPA 2010" initiative President Barroso
stressed that poverty is a serious concern in the European union and that there
are still 84 million people at risk of poverty. "This is unacceptable!"
said Barroso and underlined that tackling poverty is a responsibility shared by
everyone. "In doing so, we are all playing a part in building a Europe
based on its core value of solidarity."
European Council, 17 June 2010
"We have rolled up our sleeves and shown we can act together when there is a joint political will"
17/06/2010
"This European Council was about coming together to get the basics of
the European economy right for growth," stated president Barroso after the
European Council. He added that "today, the European Council has rolled up
its sleeves and shown we can act together when there is a joint political will
by the Member States and the European Institutions. We are on the case and
delivering."
Read the full president's statement
Read the conclusions of the European Council 
Visit of the prime minister of United Kingdom, David Cameron
"Growth is our main concern and growth should be the main priority. And without confidence we will not have growth."
17/06/2010
President Barroso and prime minister of the UK David Cameron stressed that
our joint priorities must be on restoring sound public finances, increasing
competitiveness, investing in areas that generate future growth and building
trustworthy financial markets. "That is what we want from the European
Council today," said president Barroso and added: "Our citizens want us
to concentrate on substance not on more discussions about institutions or
processes. I am not interested in a Brussels power-grab."
Visit of the prime minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg
16/06/2010
The main themes of tomorrow's European Council, next week's G20 Summit and
energy and climate change were the key issues discussed today between President
Barroso and Prime Minister Stoltenberg of Norway. The EU and Norway see eye to
eye on how to exit the crisis. President Barroso explained Europe's objectives
of smarter economic governance, fiscal consolidation and structural reforms.
The leaders also discussed the next steps in the context of international
climate negotiations.
Speech in advance of the European Council, European Parliament
"Europeans want results. Let's work through the institutions that we have, and use them to their full potential"
16/06/2010
President Barroso highlighted that "we are striving to avoid a decade of
debt and build a generation of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth". On
financial market reform Barroso underlined: "People need to see that
financial markets are being repaired and that promises are kept. We need
agreement on financial supervision before the summer, and we need a clear
signal from the European Council that the forthcoming Commission's proposals on
financial market regulation will be adopted by the end of 2011."
Question Hour with President Barroso, European Parliament
15/06/2010
The main topics of the Question Hour with president Barroso in the European
Parliament were today's Commission proposal for a SWIFT agreement, the Europe
2020 strategy, development policy and the way towards strengthened economic
governance. President Barroso reassured the Parliament of the Commission's role
of pushing Member States to achieve the EU's development policy commitments. He
also underlined that economic governance should be strengthened according to
the spirit of the Community method.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker
14/06/2010
President Barroso thanked Prime Minister Juncker for the support provided by
Luxembourg for the most ambitious proposals for Europe and in particular the
2020 strategy. He underlined the need for Europe to regain growth potential -
"intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth". He added that this
growth cannot be achieved without efforts relating to budgetary consolidation
and structural reforms.
25th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement
"Schengen has become a synonym for lifting the internal borders of the European Union"
13/06/2010
President Barroso attended the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the
signature of the Schengen Agreement and the opening of a new European Schengen
museum. For president Barroso, Schengen has become a synonym for lifting the
internal borders of the European Union. "Schengen has become one of the
best known names outside Europe. The fact that the Agreement was signed in the
small town of Schengen shows that in Europe often the smallest are the
biggest."
25th anniversary of the accession of Portugal and Spain to the EU
"Together we will come out of the current crisis stronger."
12/06/2010
President Barroso outlined the benefits not only for Spain and Portugal, but
also for the European Union as a result of their accession to the EU. President
Barroso: "We need a strong mobilization as much to exit the crisis as to
act together on the necessary reforms for our political project of a dynamic
Europe based on fairness and solidarity, a Europe of knowledge and innovation,
a Europe of employment and social cohesion, a sustainable and more competitive
Europe."
Watch the video of the President at the 25th anniversary of the accession of Spain to the EU
Watch the video of the President at the 25th anniversary of the accession of Portugal to the EU
Meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel
11/06/2010
After the meeting with German Chancellor Merkel, president Barroso stated
that the most important issues on the European agenda were discussed. "Our
priority is putting order into our public finances," said Barroso.
"Circumventing the rules is not a trivial offence. It is putting at risk
our collective economic future. We need to strengthen our rules and the way the
EU runs its economy." Barroso also insisted that budget cuts and structural
reforms are a means to increase growth and employment.
Message on the start of the FIFA World Cup on 11 June
"Football is a universal language, a language that helps people to unite"
11/06/2010
In the light of the forthcoming start of the FIFA World Cup, president
Barroso said that he is particularly pleased that for the first time an African
nation is hosting the World Championship. President Barroso: "Football is
more than a sport: it is a universal language, a language that helps people
from different cultures and backgrounds to unite. Borders of culture, of
language and of nationality will be forgotten thanks to the World Cup."
Visit of the prime minister of Poland, Donald Tusk
"I believe that Poland will show strong leadership during its presidency."
09/06/2010
President Barroso and Polish prime minister Tusk discussed today their
common priorities for the Polish Presidency, namely the budget perspectives for
2014-2020, European energy security, implementation of economic governance
initiatives and the Europe 2020 strategy. With a view to economic governance,
president Barroso said that we all live in one Union. When one country is not
doing well - no matter whether it is in the eurozone or not - it concerns all
of us, all 27 Member States.
Visit of the prime minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic
09/06/2010
President Barroso and the prime minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, met
to discuss the progress made by Montenegro in preparing for candidate status to
the EU. President Barroso stressed that the Commission is preparing its opinion
on Montenegro's application: "Meeting the political criteria will be
central to our opinion in moving ahead to candidate status and the opening of
negotiations," and added that speed is not as important as quality in
pushing forward with the key reforms.
Message on the start of the FIFA World Cup on 11 June
08/06/2010
In the light of the forthcoming start of the FIFA World Cup, president
Barroso said that he is particularly pleased that for the first time an African
nation is hosting the World Championship. President Barroso: "Football is
more than a sport: it is a universal language, a language that helps people
from different cultures and backgrounds to unite. Borders of culture, of
language and of nationality will be forgotten thanks to the World Cup."
Congratulation to the new Japanese Prime Minister
08/06/2010
President Barroso expressed his warmest congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr Naoto Kan. "I wish you every success in implementing the ambitious programme of reform of the Democratic Party of Japan," said Barroso and added: "I am looking forward to working closely with you on further strengthening political and economic relations between Japan and the European Union, including exchanging experience on regional integration in view of your goal of promoting an East Asia Community."
European and African Commissions college to college meeting
"I am determined to continue and to further our pioneering work with Africa"
08/06/2010
In a European and African Commissions college to college meeting in Addis
Abeba key issues such as peace and security, climate change and bilateral
relations were discussed. President Barroso expressed his determination to
continue and to further pioneering work with Africa, in particular on achieving
the Millennium development Goals, and making a real impact on food and water
security, health and education. Afterwards, Barroso also met with the Ethiopian
prime minister Meles Zenawi.
Statement on the results of the referendum in Slovenia
06/06/2010
President Barroso welcomed the support that the Slovenian people gave in the referendum on the Border Arbitration Agreement signed by the governments of Slovenia and Croatia. He stressed that this is an important step forward: "We now look forward to a final settlement of the dispute. Resolving this bilateral issue is an important signal for the region and the relations between Slovenia and Croatia."
Statement on Green Week
04/06/2010
President Barroso outlined the importance of biodiversity and stressed the importance of our natural recourses. He underlined that the post-2010 EU biodiversity policy commits us to protect biodiversity and its ecosystem services. "A key component will be the idea of resource efficiency," said president Barroso and concluded: "It's our world to lose. Because if we cut this lifeline, there won't be another."
EU-Pakistan summit
04/06/2010
After the EU-Pakistan Summit President Barroso stressed that "today's meeting has once again demonstrated that it is in our joint interest to engage more closely" and added that they "have agreed on a framework to enhance our strategic dialogue." He also recalled that the EU is Pakistan's largest trade partner and stated that the EU is committed to assist Pakistan in establishing an ever more prosperous economy.
High-level tripartite meeting with the European Social Partners
"Growth that occurs on the back of a social wasteland will turn into a boomerang."
04/06/2010
President Barroso underlined the need for social dialogue at all levels. He
also stressed the need for fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. He
said: "Only if we are serious about getting our house in order, and only if
we really do our best to work for a sustainable future, we will be able to
re-establish confidence in our economy and growth. Efforts must be fair and
balanced. Everybody must contribute, and we must not leave behind the weakest
of our societies. Growth that occurs on the back of a social wasteland will
turn into a boomerang."
Visit of the prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán
03/06/2010
President Barroso and Hungarian prime minister Orbán discussed the upcoming
Hungarian Presidency of the Council in the 1st half of 2011 and the economic
situation in Europe and Hungary. "The presidency will come at a crucial
time to implement our common Europe 2020 strategy. That's why I am particularly
grateful for the Hungarian support of this strategy," said Barroso and
added: "With far reaching structural reforms Hungary can lay the
foundations for an economic re-birth and modernisation of the country."
Message of condolence following shooting in West Cumbria
02/06/2010
Following the shooting in West Cumbria president Barroso sent a message of condolence to the prime minister of the UK, the Rt Hon David Cameron, saying he is deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the horrific shooting in West Cumbria. "On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to you and the people of the United Kingdom. Please extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims, and those injured, in this appalling incident."
Meeting with the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite
02/06/2010
President Barroso and Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite discussed the exit from the current economic crisis, Europe 2020 and connecting Lithuania to the European energy market. President Barroso expressed his confidence that Lithuania will emerge stronger from this crisis and added that we needed to address the root causes of the current crisis: "That is why we need to repair the financial markets and put in place a long-term agenda for change: what we call Europe 2020."
Joint press conference on corporate governance
"The Commission is examining structural solutions including the need for an independent European credit rating agency"
02/06/2010
In a joint press conference on proper regulation of credit rating agencies
and good governance of financial institutions, president Barroso alongside
Commissioners Barnier and Rehn presented the ambitious and sound proposals
together with the timeframe. President Barroso outlined: "Europe must and
will deliver a comprehensive approach that allows the EU to stabilise, to
consolidate and to get dynamic growth. And Europe must and will deliver a
strong and united position for the G20 Summit in Toronto."
Commission proposes improved EU supervision of Credit Rating Agencies
8th Baltic Sea States Summit
"The joint vision 2020 that we are adopting contains the forward-looking objectives, we should now work to achieve"
02/06/2010
Speaking at the Baltic Sea States Summit president Barroso stressed that the
Council of the Baltic Sea States succeeded in its original task, to bridge old
divides. He added: "We need a long-term vision that can shore up our
short-term actions." President Barroso also presented his view on ways to
enhance cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region and stressed the importance of the
Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, The Northern Dimension and good relations
with neighbour state Russia.
Message of condolence following Storm Agatha
01/06/2010
Following the tropical storm Agatha president Barroso sent messages of condolence to the presidents of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. On behalf of the European Commission he sent his sincere condolences to the families of all those affected by the storm and expressed the solidarity of the European Commission to the families of the victims. President Barroso also highlighted the Commission's humanitarian aid decision worth €3 million to cope with the consequences of the storm.
Meeting with the prime minister of Lithuania, Andrius Kubilus
01/06/2010
President Barroso and Lithuanian prime minister Andrius Kubilius discussed interdependency of the global economies and strategies to exit the crisis, energy security and an integrated energy market in the Baltic Sea region. President Barroso said: The "European Commission and myself I am very committed to this Baltic energy market interconnection plan where Lithuania has also been extremely active. We want to help this region to achieve its objectives in terms of energy security. And we see a lot of potential here."
EU-Russia Summit
"Today, we are taking an important step and launch the EU-Russia partnership for modernisation"
01/06/2010
After the EU-Russia summit president Barroso emphasised the important political priorities on which the new modernisation partnership will focus. It will tackle business barriers and facilitate trade, strengthen our ties on energy and climate issues and promote people-to-people contacts. Barroso also stressed that the EU and Russia would cooperate even more closely in the run-up to the G20 summit at the end of June, to boost the global recovery and reshape economic governance.
Press release - EU and Russia launch new partnership for modernisation