12/12/2008
Summit important for the world
Commenting on the outcome of one of the most important European Summits for many years PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said "Although the recovery plan is probably only a first step, and the climate package is a compromise, European Governments have made some very important decisions today."
"Europe has today taken part one of a crucial decision on tackling climate change. The climate package now has to be voted on by the European Parliament. It would be wrong to assume the Parliament will support the compromise just because member state governments have done so. The European Parliament must debate the package and take its own vote. With this package Europe has the chance to give our planet a better future in partnership with President elect Obama."
"The recovery plan is an important first step. I remain sceptical as to whether it is enough to prevent a big increase in unemployment. In any case further work needs to be done on a list of common priorities for investment. If investments are not coordinated the spill-over effects will be wasted."
"I welcome the prospect of finding a solution for Ireland and the rest of the European Union on the Lisbon Treaty. We need the Treaty and the proposed declarations on social progress, the protection of workers rights and public services should offer the Irish people the clarity they need."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Julian Scola, Communications Advisor - Media & Campaigns
Party of European Socialists, Rue du Trône, 98, B-1050 Brussels
Mobile +32 486 117 394
julian.scola@pes.org
