News
Household electricity prices in the EU27 rose by 6.3% and gas prices by 12.6%
25/05/2012
In the EU27, household electricity prices rose by 6.3% between the second half of 2010 and the second half of 2011, after an increase of 5.6% between the second half of 2009 and 2010.
European Commission Statement by President Barroso following the Informal European Council dinner, 23 May
24/05/2012
In the speech, Mr Barroso said "The choice between stability and growth should not be seen exactly as a choice – we need both. There was a clear consensus around the table on this. We need both stability and growth and to achieve growth we need fiscal consolidation, we need structural reforms for competitiveness and we need targeted investment."
"On Greece, I have already outlined my position after the meeting today with the interim Prime Minister of Greece. The message that we sent today is clear: we will stand by Greece while Greece stands by its commitment. There is a democratic process taking place in Greece. Of course we respect this democratic process. Let's wait for the people of Greece to have their say on the 17th June and we will not let ourselves be derailed by those who want to promote speculative scenarios."
Remarks by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy following the informal dinner of the members of the European Council 
24/05/2012
My Van Rompuy said "there should be no misunderstanding: it is obvious that opposing "deficit reduction" and "growth" is a false debate. They are two sides of the same coin. Without sound public finances there can be no sustainable growth; but without sustainable growth, the measures to bring our debt levels under control will be done in vain."
Euro area press lines on Greece - Informal EC dinner, 23 May 2012
24/05/2012
''We discussed the political and economic situation in Greece.
We want Greece to remain in the euro area while respecting its commitments.
We are fully aware of the significant efforts already made by the Greek citizens.''
Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Mr Panagiotis Pikrammenos, interim Prime Minister of Greece
23/05/2012
''I have just met with the interim Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Panagiotis Pikrammenos. His government has a clearly defined yet vital role to play in the coming weeks.''
Statement by Vice-President Olli Rehn following the political agreement on the EU-EIB Project Bonds Initiative
23/05/2012
''I welcome the agreement today in the "trilogue" with the Parliament and Council on our proposal for the pilot phase of Project Bonds, which paves the way for the vote on 31 May. This is an important initiative that can contribute to strengthen our economy. Promoting public and private investment is indeed a cornerstone of our growth initiative.''
The pilot phase of Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative (reissue)
23/05/2012
MEMO/11/370 Brussels, 23 May 2012 Q1: What are the primary objectives of the Initiative? The EU Budget is a key element to support the growth agenda and to achieve the Europe 2020 policy targets. The stronger use of innovative financial instruments is ...
Statement by Vice-President Olli Rehn following the political agreement on the EU-EIB Project Bonds Initiative
22/05/2012
MEMO/12/369 Brussels, 22 May 2012 I welcome the agreement today in the "trilogue" with the Parliament and Council on our proposal for the pilot phase of Project Bonds, which paves the way for the vote on 31 May....
Speech by Vice-President Olli Rehn – "Europe's action plan for growth, employment and investment", European Parliament, 22 May 2012
22/05/2012
In the speech, Mr Rehn said " There is no silver bullet for economic growth. If there were, it would have already been fired. The build-up of debts, deficits and imbalances in our economies did not happen overnight, it happened over many years. And the readjustment we are now going through won't be concluded overnight. That is why it is so important to stay the course of sustainable.
Joint statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy after the G8 working session on the global economy
22/05/2012
Joint statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy after the G8 working session on the global economy
