"The decision of the Greek Government should not put into question the package of measures adopted in Brussels on the 26th of October, nor the stability of the Euro," declared the Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

Joseph Daul recalled the content of Article 4 of the Treaty on European Union: ‘The Member States shall facilitate the achievement of the Union's tasks and refrain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the Union's objectives'. He asks that Greece respects this Article in its spirit and letter.

"The greatest enemies of the Euro in the current period are doubt and uncertainty," emphasised the Chairman of the EPP Group.

"This is why early elections could be the most appropriate response to the current situation," declared Joseph Daul.

The Chairman of the largest Group in the European Parliament strongly regretted that the decision of Mr Papandreou was not taken in consultation with his partners and the European Institutions.

"European solidarity is not a one-way street, it requires respect and a sense of responsibility."

For further information:

Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2845525

Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 264 Members.