Barosso – ‘elections no obstacle to EU presidency’

At a meeting with Polish journalists in Brussels on Wednesday Barosso pointed out that many EU states had conducted general elections while holding the six-month EU presidency without any drawbacks.

Political parties are divided as to the wisdom of holding elections in October this year, right in the middle of Poland’s presidency of the European Council. The ruling Civic Platform wants elections after the start of the presidency while the largest opposition party Law and Justice called for elections in the spring.

President Bronislaw Komorowski has yet to make the final decision as to the date of the elections.

The head of the European Commission underlined that he sees the half year presidency as a great chance for Poland.

“It will be a great occasion for Poland to bring its sensitivity to European affairs, to deepen the debate about European issues. I am really very confident about the prospects of the Polish presidency and I will work of course hand in hand with our Polish friends to make it a success for Poland and the European Union.”

Barosso also spoke highly of the priorities of the Polish presidency, among them the integration of the internal market, making it more accessible to businesspeople and enterprises.

Poland also lays great importance on the Eastern Partnership Programme, on tightening relations with NATO and concluding negotiations with Croatia to join the bloc. The EU presidency will also see the beginning of talks on the EU budget after 2013.

The head of the European Commission, warns, however, to be prepared for the unexpected.

“The Polish presidency has organized a very good set of priorities and I think the goals established by the Polish presidency in terms of growth , prosperity, security and openness are very important. But my message to the Polish presidency is: be Prepared, because something may happen.” (ab/pg)