Speeches
Congratulation to Mr Bhattarai, Prime Minister of Nepal
31/08/2011
President Barroso congratulated His Excellency Mr Baburam Bhattarai on his election as the new Prime Minister of Nepal. In his letter he wrote: "I trust that your appointment will contribute to a speedy conclusion of the peace process in your country, and in particular to the integration and rehabilitation of the former PLA combatants and the drafting of a democratic and inclusive constitution."
Statement on priorities for the autumn
"The challenges we face are great. But so is our determination to rise to them."
31/08/2011
Following an extended meeting of the Commission today, President Barroso outlined the most pressing tasks for the weeks and months ahead. He addressed the challenging economic situation and the need to rapidly finalise measures on economic governance and public finances. He also emphasised the Commission's central role in supporting the Libyan people at this momentous time.
President Barroso's video message on the priorities for the autumn
Message to Mr Noda, Prime Minister of Japan
30/08/2011
On behalf of the European Commission President Barroso expressed his warmest congratulations to His Excellency Mr Yoshihiko Noda, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan. He stated: "I wish you every success in completing the recovery and reconstruction efforts following the earthquake and tsunami which struck East Japan last March. I reaffirm my conviction that Japan will emerge even stronger than before and the European Union stands ready to assist you in these efforts."
Meeting with Polish Prime Minister Tusk and President Buzek
"I urge governments and national parliaments to complete the work as swiftly as possible."
30/08/2011
The meeting between President Barroso and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk focused on economic challenges and the need of a rapid agreement between the Council and the European Parliament on the economic governance package. Afterwards leaders met President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek to discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020. In the light of the Polish presidency of the Council President Barroso also participated at the unveiling of the Esplanade Solidarność plaque in front of the EP.
Message to Mr Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia
29/08/2011
On behalf of the European Commission President Barroso congratulated H.E. Mr Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia, on his re-election. In his message President Barroso stated: "I am in no doubt that you shall be an inspirational force for the Estonian people in their strive to build a better future and defend European values. The European Commission will continue to support fully Estonia in whatever way it can."
Joint statement on the situation in Libya
22/08/2011
In a joint statement, President Barroso and President Van Rompuy stressed that the quest for freedom by the people of Libya is coming to a historic moment. They said: "The relentless efforts of the forces of the new Libya, supported militarily by NATO and several EU Member States, and countries from the region are bringing the Gaddafi regime to its end." They also urged "Colonel Gaddafi to accept the will of the people, step down immediately, and avoid further bloodshed and sufferance."
Message of condolence following the storm which plunged the Pukkelpop festival in Hasselt into mourning
19/08/2011
On learning of the news of the storm which hit the Pukkelpop festival in Hasselt on Thursday 18 August, leading to the tragic deaths of 5 people and causing numerous injuries, President Barroso expressed his sincere condolences and deep sympathy for the families of the victims.
Statement on Franco-German proposals on euro area governance
16/08/2011
President Barroso and Commissioner Rehn issued a statement on Tuesday's proposals by President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel. They welcomed the step forward in our common efforts to strengthen the governance of the euro area and added that the Franco-German ideas represent "an important political contribution by the leaders of the two largest euro area economies." They stressed that "The challenges we are facing have made even clearer that a shared currency implies shared responsibility and demands closer coordination of economic policies."
The full statement by President Barroso and Commissioner Rehn
Congratulation to the PM of the Kingdom of Thailand
10/08/2011
On behalf of the European Commission President Barroso congratulated Ms Yingluck Shinawatra on her election as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. He expressed his good wishes for the exercise of her mandate, in particular in achieving national reconciliation and stressed that the "European Commission is committed to deepening our relations across the board and to working with your Government with this objective."
Situation in the euro area sovereign bond markets
"It is essential that we move forward rapidly"
03/08/2011
"Developments in the sovereign bond markets of Italy and Spain are a cause of deep concern" but "unwarranted on the basis of economic and budgetary fundamentals" said President Barroso in a statement today. He added that "it is essential that we move forward rapidly with the implementation of all of that has been agreed by the Heads of State and Government and send an unambiguous signal of the euro area’s resolve to address the sovereign debt crisis." President Barroso announced that he will send a letter today to the Heads of State and Government urging them to ensure that necessary actions are taken without delay.
Read the statement by President Barroso
Read more on the outcome of the Euro area summit on 21 July 2011
Read the letter from President Barroso to the Heads of State or Government of the Euro area 
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Watch the press conference by Commissioner Rehn on developments in the eurozone (5 August 2011)
Speech by Commissioner Rehn "Ongoing developments in the eurozone", 5 August 2011
Follow-up letter to the Editor-in-Chief of Spiegel Online (18 August) [21 KB] 
Statement on Franco-German proposals on euro area governance