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Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament, had praised Barroso for his passionate defence of the Union and the central role for the European Commission in economic governance, but underlined the importance of the same message being repeated to EU leaders at their next summit in Brussels on 17-18 October.
"Barroso showed a fighting spirit last week in Strasbourg. We fully expect him to deliver on his promises when he addresses the Heads of Government later on this month. At the European Council Barroso must table a comprehensive plan which includes precise commitments and a timetable for implementation."
"Measures taken so far to address the economic crisis lack an overall plan or vision whilst the eurozone suffers from too many chiefs. We need a clear direction."
"The next European Council is the time and the place for such a discussion. I expect Barroso to stand by his commitment to seize the initiative and put proposals on the table. Member States must then give political backing to the measures that, taken together, will convince the markets that Europe is serious about putting its house in order."
The ALDE Group will dedicate its group meeting on Wednesday 19th October to evaluate the outcome of the European Council and the progress made on the measures that Barroso has promised to parliament.