Europe will progress “only united”

The European institutions leaders have pleaded Wednesday at a forum organized in Brussels for solidarity and economic increasing measures in Europe.

The president of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, has drawn attention on the fact that Europe can face the global competition only if it is united.

The president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, has criticized the fact that the national leaders are assuming every success, but they blame the European institutions in case of failure.

The explanations regarding the economic situation and the growth perspectives were formulated by the president of the European Committee who requested to Greece to respect its agreements.

Jose Manuel Barroso has declared that he respects democracy and the vote expressed in Greece and that Europe has to wait the negotiation result, the forming of a government or not.

But, irrespective of what happens, Greece has to respect the agreement that has with the countries from euro area and with European institutions, namely respecting the agreed program.

“It is a credibility matter not only for Greece, but for the entire euro area. If the agreement is not fulfilled, the effects will be deeply negative for Greece. It is a program that not only aims at the fiscal consolidation, but also the economic growth, investments, programs for young people.”

“We know that some reforms are painful and require time and sacrifices, but honestly, the alternative is much worse for the Greek population”, stated Jose Manuel Barroso.

Euro “does not have to become a symbol of selfishness and division”

Regarding Europe’s problems, Jose Manuel Barroso has insisted for consolidation, reforms and investments –investments for poor areas in order to reduce the differences between the member countries, even in the rich countries’ interest, has shown Jose Manuel Barroso.

Even they benefit from the unique market, and the effort has to be common.

The president of the European Committee (EC) has explained some of the measures upon which he insists in this period, measures than can facilitate the economic growth, for instance issuing bonds for investment projects so that the private area becomes a part of recovery efforts.

Afterwards, within the European parliamentary plenum, the president of this forum, Martin Schulz has resumed in his speech dedicated to Europe Day the plea for growth measures and reducing the unemployment and has specified that euro does not have to become a symbol of selfishness and division, and the idea of returning to national currencies has to be rejected.

A reference to the declarations according to which this would be the solution for Greece –a change of direction towards Europe is needed, reduction in expenditures combined with growth initiatives, not only of austerity.

The leaders of the political groups have joined the pro economic growth and create jobs , signaled the dangers to European stability or condemned populism.

Translated by Alexandra-Diana Mircea

MTTLC, Bucharest University