Liberals and Democrats caution against excessive hype at EU economic summit

2.21.32pm GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Today and Friday EU leaders will meet in Brussels for their annual economic summit to evaluate progress in raising Europe's competitiveness but also to take account of new and pressing global issues that impact on both the economy and the environment.

Graham Watson, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament cautions EU leaders against complacency on the back of the current economic upturn:

"It is a welcome sign that European countries are experiencing higher growth than in previous years and that the forecast for the near future bode well. But these are precisely the conditions for making the necessary structural adjustments to guarantee sustained growth in the years to come when circumstances may be less favourable."

"EU Member States this week must follow the lead of the Commission and German Presidency in integrating their agenda for economic competitiveness with the pressing concerns over global warming. The two are not contradictory. With political will, the right fiscal incentives and adequate investment, cleaner, more efficient technologies and energy sources can become an economic benefit rather than a burden."

Alexander Graf Lambsdorff MEP (FDP, Germany) and ALDE spokesperson on the Lisbon Agenda also places particular emphasis this year on the energy component of the competitiveness agenda:

"We need a firm commitment, from the highest political level, on the direction of European energy policy. The effective separation of energy production from distribution will result in a more competitive internal market for energy. Europe needs such a market to provide a better deal for citizens and companies, to achieve more energy efficiency and to generate increased investment in infrastructure. The three strand approach (security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability) to be submitted for approval is both sensible and pragmatic but needs to be backed up by concrete commitments on emissions reductions, renewable energy targets and the use of biofuels. "

Graham Watson (Leader) and Silvana Koch-Mehrin (ALDE 1st Vice-president) will be in Brussels to follow the summit and assess their conclusions. They are available for interview and further comment on request.