Press Release

15/03/2008

European Council: goals to be achieved. Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament

Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group (centre-right) in the European Parliament, has welcomed the decision of 27, meeting in the European Council in Brussels on 13 and 14 March 2008, to reach an agreement by the end of this year on a plan of action to combat climate change, while insisting on the need to limit costs and mitigate impact on industry.

"The European Union must lead by example on climate change, without impairing competitiveness or employment. It must ask its trading partners to engage in a joint green policy with determination but without protectionism. It is for the French Presidency to convert the commitment of the European Council into a reality," said Joseph Daul at the end of the European Council.

The Chairman of the most influential group in the European Parliament shares the concern of Heads of State and Government on the spectacular rise of the euro, and has called for them to be more proactive in their efforts in this regard, while respecting the independence of the European Central Bank. He also supported the decision by the European Council to take action, where appropriate, to promote market stability.

"On these three topics, climate change, the euro and market stability, the European Council has taken positive initiatives. Now, over the weeks and months ahead, these goals must become reality," said Joseph Daul.

Joseph Daul welcomed the agreement reached on a revival, next July, of the partnership with the countries of the southern Mediterranean, on the initiative of Nicolas Sarkozy. "Our group welcomes this decision, which aims to reinvigorate the Barcelona process.

"I hope that the European Parliament which, in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) is a key player in this strategy, will be represented at the highest level at the 1st Summit,on 13 July in Paris," said Joseph Daul.

Finally, the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group called on the European Union to appeal to the Chinese authorities a few months before the Olympic Games to address the human rights concerns of the of people of Tibet.

(translation from the original French)

For further information contact:
Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Tel: +32-2-28-45525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856-290