"Right now, nothing could be more important than focusing on tangible steps and concrete results for growth and for jobs. Unlocking opportunities, fast, for companies, for investors, for industry."
Referring to the Union's comprehensive strategy to exit the crisis, the President told the audience: "I've said it already and I'll say it again: there are four "keys" to unlock our way to recovery. Four keys that we need to use simultaneously. First: preserving financial stability. Second: improving the resilience of our economies, through sound public finances – focused on structural efforts – and improved competitiveness. Third key: fighting unemployment and supporting growth in the near term. And fourth: strengthening our economic and monetary union. Working on all four, making sure we don't neglect any : it's the only way forward."
Turning to the agenda of upcoming European Council meetings, President Van Rompuy explained: "At the June European Council, we will focus on two issues: access to credit, and jobs for young people. We are working very hard on concrete proposals, and of course all ideas coming from member states and social partners are welcome."
At its next summit on 22 May, the European Council will also debate the issues of taxation of energy. Commenting on the latter theme, the President underlined: "The world is in the midst of an energy revolution. So it's important to discuss those questions. We won't necessarily have all the answers right away, but we need to feed and grow that common debate."
Full speech
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