Speeches and statements
Meeting with Mr Boris Tadić, President of Serbia
28/02/2012
President Barroso met Serbian President Mr Boris Tadić to discuss the enlargement process. "A great majority of Member States are in favour of granting Serbia candidate status. If this decision is not taken today, we expect it to be decided at the coming European Council. Indeed it should be taken not later than the next European Council: Serbia deserves the candidate status. That has been already for some time the opinion of the European Commission," said President Barroso, adding that "it is important that Serbia remains committed to an ambitious reform agenda and to its dialogue with Priština. Only concrete steps and results will allow our relationship to develop further. Serbia holds the key to deepen our ties and to its own progress." The President concluded that the road that lies ahead of Serbia is demanding. "Yet, I am confident that the political will that made Serbia reach this stage will continue and that your country will be successful in your journey towards a common future with our European Union," he said.
European Semester – Inter-parliamentary committee debate
27/02/2012
President Barroso delivered a speech at the Inter-parliamentary committee debate on the European Semester in the European Parliament, in which he focused on how the European Semester helps to resolve the crisis and spur growth. "The European Semester's purpose is to strengthen coordination between Member States' budgetary and structural policies while they are still in preparation, in order to detect inconsistencies and emerging imbalances," explained the President, adding that "it creates a platform where potential weaknesses or threats can be detected early," and therefore can help prevent future crises. However, he said, "if the Semester is to successfully contribute to these goals, it must evolve and improve with each cycle. It is a process that cannot work if it is done in a top-down way and that can only work with the backing and commitment of all actors at all levels." The President underlined: "I believe it is essential to strengthen European democracy by enhancing the relationship between the national democratic processes and the European democratic process." He also encouraged Members States to speed up growth-boosting reforms.
The Lisbon Council: The Europe 2020 Summit
"Now is the time for delivery – and step by step, this is a process which is delivering"
27/02/2012
President Barroso today attended the Lisbon Council's Europe 2020 Summit in Brussels. In his keynote speech he talked about the serious structural challenges Europe is facing. These can only be addressed by moving ahead with profound reforms, he said, building on national efforts, while being "truly European" and building on Europe's assets – "the skills and energy of its people, the innovative potential of its business, the huge scope for getting more out of the Single Market". The President warned that without this reform "we will not stand still, we will go backwards and risk losing many of the benefits which we have gained over the last 60 years." On Europe's response to the economic crisis, the President called for action, not words. "The time has come not to yet again discuss our agenda, but to deliver on our agenda. Our priority is, therefore, to build on, and intensify, the work which has been carried out to date." He concluded by reiterating that now is the time for delivery – and that step by step, this is a process which is delivering.
Visit to Hamburg, Germany
24/02/2012
President Barroso was the guest of honour at the "Matthiae Mahl", a traditional dinner dating back to the middle ages, organised by the senate of Hamburg. He gave the speech "A stronger Europe in stormy times" in which he praised the merits of Hamburg and pointed to Europe's response to the crisis and Germany's role in it. He expressed his firm belief that "we are able to give Europe a direction and to lead it out of this crisis. By following a steady course, with a strong strategy and a clear vision, Europe will in the future be even stronger than it is today." President Barroso met in the context of the Matthiae Mahl and bilaterally the First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz. He also visited the construction site of the "Elbphilarmonie", which is to become Europe's biggest concert hall. At Bucerius Law School he gave another speech entitled "The EU on its way to a political and economic union" and discussed with law students. He also gave an interview to two child reporters of "DEIN SPIEGEL".
Read the President's speech at the Matthiae Mahlzeit
European Economic and Social Committee
22/02/2012
At the plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee yesterday, President Barroso discussed the importance of having a Europe of solidarity and responsibility, of discipline and growth. The President underlined that Europe is changing and that we are moving forward in the direction of more European integration. He addressed the economic solutions to the current crisis, the importance of competitiveness, growth and jobs, the need to create better conditions for SMEs, the potential benefits of deepening the European single market, and the opportunities that the global market offers. He also addressed the issue of youth unemployment referring to the recent proposal – ‘pact for youth on the move’ –, which includes a guarantee for a job, a formation, or training for a young person within four months of leaving school. The President pointed out that the objectives of the Commission's Europe 2020 strategy are key, and that we have to remain resolute in achieving them. "We are deeply involved on all these fronts because achieving each goal of the Europe 2020 strategy means above all bringing a real change in the daily life of our citizens," said the President, underlining that success depends on a general mobilisation of all actors: European institutions, Member States, regions and civil society.
Meeting with Demetris Christofias, President of Cyprus
22/02/2012
President Barroso together with the College of Commissioners met Cypriot President Christofias and several Ministers of the Cypriot Government ahead of the first Cypriot Presidency of the EU. The meeting was held to discuss a range of issues mainly focused on the economic situation, both in Europe and in Cyprus. President Barroso underlined that the priority in the coming year is to strengthen the potential for growth and competitiveness. "Another issue that we discussed is the Multiannual Financial Framework, because if everything goes right, it will be during the Cypriot Presidency that we will conclude the negotiations on the financial perspective for the next period (2014-2020)," he said. The President continued by expressing his concern about the youth unemployment situation and thanking President Christofias for the support he had already given in the European Council to the Commission's priority on youth unemployment and also to support for SMEs. The settlement process and relations with Turkey were also addressed during the meetings. "I fully support the UN process and the need for both sides to make steps forward," concluded the President.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali
21/02/2012
Ahead of the international conference on 23rd and 24th of February in London President Barroso met today the Somali Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government, Mr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, in Brussels. The conference should provide an opportunity for a change in the security situation and enable political progress in the country. European Commission President Barroso reaffirmed to the Somali Prime Minister the European commitment to continue assisting Somalia to restore peace and stability. He pointed out that the European Union is the lead donor to Somalia, with € 415 million allocated for 2008-2013, for funding activities on governance, education and economic development. Besides, the EU is also the biggest supporter of AMISOM, said the President, and underlined that the EU is also heavily engaged in supporting security in the country and the wider region, jointly with the African Union. President Barroso said: "Ahead of the London Conference, I am happy to say that the EU stands ready to mobilise additional resources to enable an increase of the number of troops, pending a decision of the UN Security Council", and called on other donors and the international community to step up their assistance. He concluded: "I have also told to the Prime Minister that our continued support and engagement must be met with improvements in the political front."
The EU renewed its commitment to foster peace and security in Somalia
Meeting with Edmund Stoiber, Chairman of the High-Level Group
21/02/2012
President Barroso received today the Best Practice Report produced by the High-Level Group on Administrative Burden Reduction chaired by Edmund Stoiber. "Reducing the administrative burden is an essential part of our efforts to improve the business environment in Europe. Small and Medium-Sized Companies stress time and again how crucial the reduction of red tape is for their businesses," outlined the President after the meeting with Dr Stoiber. He added that he is pleased to say "that we are making very good progress. 33%: that is the reduction of administrative burden that the Commission proposals will generate. In other words, we are saving companies €40bn." The President explained that "many of these proposals have benefited from the support of the group lead by Dr Stoiber", and described decisions taken during the meeting.
Where the European Union stands on reducing administrative burdens – Q&A
Website of the High Level Group
Eurogroup agreement on financial assistance programme for Greece
"Our common goal is for a stable and prosperous Greece with a secure future in the euro"
21/02/2012
President Barroso described the Eurogroup agreement on a second financial assistance programme for Greece as "an essential step forward for the country and for the euro area as a whole." He said: "Together with the agreement reached with the private sector for a bond exchange offer, in which I am very confident a high number of private sector bondholders will participate, this overall package opens the way for Greece to construct a new and more sustainable economy, better able to generate growth and jobs. It also closes the door on a scenario of an uncontrolled default, with all its grave economic and social implications." He recognized the solidarity shown by the rest of the euro area, which is "a welcome signal that our common goal is for a stable and prosperous Greece with a secure future in the euro."
94th Plenary of the Committee of the Regions
16/02/2012
At the Plenary sessions of the Committee of the Regions, President Barroso welcomed the courage of the Greek political authorities and citizens and insisted that Greece should implement with determination a programme of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms to which it has committed. He then shared his view that the rebuilding of the EU is underway. He concluded by underling the important role of regional and local authorities in this process, before signing the new cooperation agreement with the Committee of the Regions.
14th EU-China Summit, Beijing
"We want China to be part of the solution in addressing some of the pressing issues facing the international community"
14/02/2012
updated 14 February
In the statement following the 14th EU-China Summit in Beijing, President Barroso said that EU-China's "partnership is one of the most important in the world today." Furthermore, the President underlined the benefits of Europe's open policies and open markets for China's economy. After discussing a number of new initiatives with Chinese Premier Wen, President Barroso announced that a new important pillar in EU-China cooperation - "People-to-People Dialogue" - was launched, and a new Partnership on Sustainable Urbanisation, which will allow both sides to cooperate on low carbon development, green economy, urban planning, mobility, energy supply, water and air quality, waste management and inclusion of migrants, was also established. Additionally, the bilateral cooperation on global issues was stepped up.
"With global power comes global responsibility and we want China to be part of the solution in addressing some of the pressing issues facing the international community from Climate Change to cyber-security," concluded the President.
A forward-looking and growing EU-China partnership can represent an important pillar for global stability and prosperity
European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy will attend the 14th EU-China Summit with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on 14 February 2012. In advance of the summit, President Barroso said: "The foundations of our relationship are tried and tested but our common wish is to take it even further. We face common challenges and the world needs cooperative and responsible partnerships to overcome them. It is now, more than ever, that we must act together. I believe that a forward-looking and growing EU-China partnership can represent an important pillar for global stability and prosperity." The summit provides an important opportunity to engage with a key EU partner, and send a signal of mutual confidence in each other’s economies. Both parties share a determination to contribute to global recovery and stability.
President's statement following the 14th EU-China Summit, Beijing
Joint Press Communiqué of the 14th EU-China Summit
President's speech at the EU-China Business Summit, Beijing
President's speech at the Euro campaign event launch Beijing, 15 February 2012
Message to Romanian Prime Minister Mr Mihai Răzvan Ungureanu
10/02/2012
President Barroso congratulated the Prime Minister of Romania, Mr Mihai Răzvan Ungureanu, on his appointment to the position. He said "This is an important time for both Romania and the European Union. Romania needs a new government able and willing to put in place the necessary measures to restore confidence and actively contribute to the European debate."
Statement on the current situation in Greece
10/02/2012
At the press conference following the signing ceremony of agreements at the India-EU Summit, President Barroso expressed his confidence that an agreement will be reached on a second financial assistance programme for Greece at the Eurogroup meeting next Wednesday: "We are now in the final stages of agreeing on a second financial assistance programme for Greece. This is critically important for Greece and Greek citizens first and foremost, but also for the whole euro area. I therefore call on the responsibility and the leadership of the Greek leaders and all members of the eurozone so that we can obtain this goal that is important for the euro area and indeed for the global economy."
EU-India Summit in New Delhi, 10 February 2012
"Cooperation between India and the EU is vital for our bilateral relations and as a platform to address broader global challenges"
10/02/2012
updated 13.02.2012
President Barroso gave a speech at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, where he explained why the EU-Indian partnership is a key pillar of Europe’s foreign policy and international economic strategy. He also presented the benefits and opportunities of the EU-India trading relationship and outlined that, after fruitful and positive discussion with Prime Minister Singh, good progress with negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement were made. "The perimeter of a final agreement is emerging, " he added.
"Our economies complement each other in many ways and this overall complementarity is behind the positive trends in our bilateral trade and investment flows. Europe is India's largest source of foreign direct investment with a stock of 34.4 billion euros and India's investments in Europe are also fast reaching 7 billion euros. EU investment in India is bigger than that of the US and Japan combined," said the President.
"The EU-India Free Trade Agreement will be the single biggest trade agreement in the world, benefiting 1.7 billion people"
Following the signing ceremony of agreements in New Delhi today, President Barroso stated that the summit has contributed to enforcing the strong ties between the EU and India. "The European Union and India are the world's two largest democracies. Our shared values and strong commitment to representative government, good governance, human rights and the rule of law are an indispensable contribution to global stability and peace," he said.
President Barroso welcomed the signature of declarations on important areas, including energy and research. He also expressed determination to finalise the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations this autumn: "The EU-India FTA will be the single biggest trade agreement in the world, benefiting 1.7 billion people. It would mean new opportunities for both Indian and European companies. It would mean a key driver for sustainable growth, job creation and innovation in India and Europe."
"EU and India are strategic and natural partners that share the responsibility to address the most pressing challenges."
Ahead of the 12th annual EU-India summit in New Delhi on 10th February 2012, President Barroso said: "The EU and India are strategic and natural partners that share the responsibility to address some of the most pressing challenges the world is currently faced with. We have to capitalise on our long-standing relationship to benefit from the many opportunities offered in key areas, such as trade, energy, and research. An increased EU-India cooperation will not only foster growth in the short term in both our continents, but will also create conditions towards a sustainable and more inclusive development in the long run."
The summit agenda will cover bilateral, regional and global issues. The EU will be represented by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. The EU Trade Commissioner, Karel De Gucht, will also attend the summit. The Republic of India will be represented by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna, Trade Minister A. Sharma and National Security Adviser, S.S. Menon.
EU-India summit – A partnership for prosperity
Statement by President Barroso following the signing ceremony of agreements in the India-EU Summit
The President's speech at the FICCI, Mumbai, 13 February 2012
Meeting with Jacques Delors on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty
07/02/2012
‘Today is the exact 20th anniversary of Maastricht and I believe that we must continue to strengthen Europe in the spirit of Maastricht’, President Barroso said following his meeting with Jacques Delors, the former President of the European Commission and Founding President of ‘Our Europe’. ‘Maastricht created an economic and monetary union, but we did not yet have all the necessary means to complete this economic and monetary union. I believe that despite all the resistance, we are making progress’, he added. He also stated that it is only together, in accordance with the Community method, that ‘the European institutions and Member States can advance our objectives — objectives to which Jacques Delors contributed so much when he was President of the Commission’.
Statement on the current situation in Greece
07/02/2012
After his meeting with the former President of the Commission Jacques Delors President Barroso urged the political parties in Greece to make a commitment to the common goals and to support the efforts that the Commission is deploying together with the Greek government in order to keep Greece in the euro area. "We want Greece in the euro. The European Commission has made it clear from the beginning that it is very important not only for Greece, but also for the euro and for the European project to keep Greece in the euro", he stated and concluded: "I want to make this message clear urging the political leadership of the different political parties in Greece to work together for what I believe is a better future for that country, that we very much respect and that we want to keep in our Union and in the euro area."
Message to the President–elect of Finland, Mr Sauli Niinistö
06/02/2012
On behalf of the European Commission President Barroso congratulated Mr Sauli Niinistö, President–elect of Finland. He stated: "I wish you every success in the fulfilment of your new responsibilities in line with the mandate you have received from the Finnish people, and I hope you will continue to make a positive contribution to the European debate. Please accept, Dear Mr President-elect, the assurance of my highest consideration."
Message to Queen Elisabeth II
06/02/2012
On behalf of the European Commission, President Barroso sent a message of congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland saying: "I would like to congratulate Your Majesty most warmly on the occasion of your Diamond Jubilee. Throughout the 60 years of your Reign, Your Majesty has inspired hope, cooperation and unity among the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and has actively and graciously represented the United Kingdom towards European partners and the rest of the world. In this special year of celebration, I would like to express my most sincere best wishes to Your Majesty and the Royal Family."
Meeting with the Tunisian Prime Minister, Hamadi Jebali
02/02/2012
Following a meeting with the Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr Hamadi Jebali, and members of his government, President Barroso declared: ‘You are here in Brussels among friends. The European Commission is at your side, standing alongside your country and all Tunisians at this historic moment.’ During the meeting, the leaders discussed the action priorities for the Tunisian government and, in particular, its commitment to the process of democratisation, reform and development currently underway in Tunisia. ‘As I said last year in Tunis, the Union remains determined to move towards a closer partnership with Tunisia and to support its efforts. The visit today enabled us to confirm that this is a shared ambition which we have cemented in a joint statement,’ said the president. The president also recalled that the European Commission has mobilised European and international partners for Tunisia under the framework of the ‘Tunisia-EU Task Force’.
EU relations – Tunisia: Joint statement "Towards a closer partnership"
Meeting with the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg
02/02/2012
President Barroso received the Minister-President of the German Land Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. They had an exchange of views on the outcome of the informal European Council of 30 January. Both agreed on the importance of respecting the Community method and institutions in tackling the current debt crisis. They also discussed the need to continue smart fiscal consolidation and stabilise the euro area, including the banking system, while paying increasing attention to sustainable growth and employment.
Message to Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski
02/02/2012
President Barroso sent a message of condolence to the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski, after the passing away of the Polish Nobel prize winner in Literature, Ms Wisława Szymborska, who died on 1st February. President Barroso said: "The poetry of Wisława Szymborska became highly recognised and appreciated by readers all over world. Her unique contribution to the European culture is undeniable. We will all miss Szymborska's sense of humour and irony, modesty, distance and gentle reflection upon the reality and her talent to turn ordinary into extraordinary. Wisława Szymborska had this exceptional capacity of expressing her views on atrocities and beauties of Humanity on the simplest and the innermost way. Europe has lost one of its biggest writers and intellectuals, a great witness of the 20th century. On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to You, Mr President, and to the people of Poland."
European Competition Forum
02/02/2012
In a keynote speech entitled 'European Union Competition policy – a building block for growth and renewal' at the European Competition Forum, President Barroso stressed that at time when we are making so much effort to stabilise our economy, competition policy has a fundamental role in providing credibility and coherence. "Despite the criticism we sometimes face for our decisions, European competition law is cited as a model of independence, coherence and objectivity," stated the President. "Monopolies and protectionism have an immensely corrosive effect on wider society. In difficult economic times, it is more important, not less, to combat them." He explained that Europe's future growth prospects depend on a rules-based Single Market that fosters openness and innovation. "Innovation is a cornerstone of our growth agenda - because it is about more than product development. It is about the way our society changes and improves. It is about the way we do business. It is about turning new ideas into growth for our companies, jobs for our citizens and well-being for our societies."
Meeting with Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani
01/02/2012
During a meeting with the Secretary General of the Cooperation Council (GCC) for The Arab States of The Gulf, Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani, President Barroso offered EU support and advice for the GCC's aspirations to move from “Council to Union”. The leaders also discussed the importance of EU trade with the GCC region. President Barroso underlined that the EU remains committed to concluding the EU-GCC Free Trade Agreement. Furthermore, the President showed EU appreciation for GCC's increased political role in the region, notably Yemen, Syria and Libya.
Meeting with Norbert Lammert, President of the German Bundestag
01/02/2012
President Barroso met the President of the German Bundestag, Professor Norbert Lammert. They had an exchange of views on the outcome of the informal European Council of 30 January and emphasised the need for swift implementation of the measures agreed so as to bring the European Union on the path of lasting stability, convergence and economic growth. They also discussed the state of democracy in Europe and the role of the Bundestag in European affairs. President Barroso welcomed the German parliament's active engagement in European matters and congratulated the Bundestag on the fifth anniversary of its office in Brussels.