08/09/2011

PM Mets European President

European matters have been discussed at high level as the Prime Minister David Cameron met with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, for talks in Downing Street.

The PM and European Council President discussed the European economy and financial stability in the eurozone.

Following the meeting the PM's spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister met the President of the European Council this week to discuss a range of issues that are likely to dominate the EU agenda this Autumn and ahead of the next European Council in October.

"They focussed on the European economy, in particular the need to ensure financial stability in the eurozone.

"They emphasised that the package of measures agreed at the eurozone summit on 21 July were an important step forward and that the immediate priority is to implement these as well as the various austerity packages agreed in eurozone countries.

"They also discussed that we must not lose sight of the real need to stimulate economic growth across Europe and agreed that the October Council should take forward the ideas for EU growth: completing the single market, encouraging innovation, boosting global trade and reducing business red tape," he said.

Good Neighbours

He added: "On foreign affairs, they discussed the EU's response to the 'Arab Spring', in particular the need to make progress on the review of European Neighbourhood Policy at the October European Council and to contribute to the international response to support Libya on its path to a free and inclusive democracy.

"Closer to home, they reaffirmed their commitment to Serbia joining the European Union once the necessary criteria are met," he concluded.

(BMcC)

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