Press Release

11/11/2009

Swedish Presidency must produce a result. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament

"With the Lisbon Treaty finally ratified by the EU-27, Europe must now take decisions", said the Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul MEP, speaking before Frederik Reinfeldt and José Manuel Barroso at a session of the European Parliament in Brussels.

"We must produce results on the Institutions, and notably the swift filling of high-level posts, on climate and on energy. And above all, we have an obligation to bring about economic recovery."

According to Daul, "we must stop monopolising European public debate with the Institutions - which are just a tool for achieving political goals - and focus instead on our ambitions."

"If the Swedish Presidency wants its six-month term in office to be a success, things should not be delayed any further. We must choose the President of the Council, the High Representative and nominate the College of Commissioners as soon possible so that Parliament can have its say."

"Mr Reinfeldt, let's not lose the momentum", declared Daul.

The Chairman of the EPP Group also asked José Manuel Barroso to distribute the portfolios of the new Commissioners as soon as the Member States propose their candidates, "before they are questioned in the European Parliament as part of their hearings, which will be as thorough as possible."

On climate, Joseph Daul upheld the position of the Heads of State and Government who, at the end of October in Brussels, confirmed their commitment to make the fight against global warming and the reduction of CO2 emissions a planned, targeted goal, but also to expect our global partners to commit with the same determination.

"In Copenhagen, political agreement will not be enough: what counts is the figures committed to by each State."

Finally, the Chairman of the most influential Group in the European Parliament reiterated his belief that for the economy, boosting employment and growth go hand in hand: "This is what the social market economy model that the EPP promotes means."

"Even if we are seeing a return to limited growth, what is important is whether the upturn will bring renewed employment opportunities, is based on sound foundations and, above all, on an open, regulated and non-protectionist market."

(Translation from the original French)

For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.