“I greatly welcome the fact that our Polish neighbours will assume the Presidency of the European Union for the first time tomorrow.
With its pronounced enthusiasm for Europe and its dynamic economic growth, Poland is giving the European Union exactly the impetus we need today in order to ensure that Europe makes good headway.
We share Poland’s conviction that further steps towards integration, especially in the sphere of economic policy, are the engine for growth and prosperity in Europe.
The Polish Presidency is faced with great challenges. In the second half of the year, negotiations on EU finances over the next few years will start. In the sphere of enlargement, it is planned to sign the accession treaty with Croatia by the end of the year.
With regard to European Neighbourhood Policy we share Poland’s aspirations to maintain a holistic approach. We must not forget the Eastern Partnership in the face of the changes in the Arab world. Therefore I strongly support the initiative to hold a summit on Eastern Partnership as scheduled by the Polish Presidency for September.”