17 April 2012

Speech by President Barroso following his meeting with the Federal President of Germany, Mr Joachim Gauck

"Europe indeed needs leaders and citizens to stand up for Europe. To explain its achievements and promote its benefits. To work for a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe.

Only then, Europe will be able to master the economic and social challenges of the 21st century. No one should believe that the European project and its achievements are irreversible or can be taken for granted. We need ownership of the European project at all levels: by European institutions, certainly, but also by our Member States, by the democratic authorities at all levels in our countries.

I am happy to see that we agree that Europe’s position in a changing world stands and falls with our ability to preserve our values - namely the sacred value of liberty, freedom - but also to stand for the achievements and to act together.

I believe that President Gauck, with his personal background and his strong convictions for European values and integration, is very well placed to lead by example.

On the economic situation in Europe, we both recognise that sustained efforts are needed to stabilise our economies and create the conditions for growth and jobs. I think that we must deploy all means at all levels to tackle the unacceptable high level of unemployment and give people a perspective. Employment is at the heart of our Europe 2020 strategy. We have launched the Youth opportunities initiative last year and deployed action teams on the ground. Tomorrow the Commission will adopt an employment package, which will provide important orientations and measures for our common action to create new jobs.

Only determined action at national and European levels can help us to restore confidence. We are looking forward to receive still this month the national reform programmes and the stability and convergence programmes from Member States in which they can demonstrate that they are serious about their determination.

The economic situation in Europe remains challenging, but tackling those difficulties should not come at the expense of fiscal rectitude."

Press release

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