The EPP Group deplores the postponement of the final vote on the Economic Governance Package in July and hopes that an agreement can be found before the summer break.

Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, said: "The EPP Group is determined to go ahead with the negotiations on the remaining issue with the Council and the Commission to reach a compromise and vote on the full package before the summer break."

The Rapporteurs Corien Wortmann-Kool MEP and Diogo Feio MEP continued: "We already agreed on 98% of the package. It will help to create sound and sustainable economic growth and social cohesion, it will boost the EU's competitiveness and will prevent future budgetary and economic crises in Member States. The EPP Group welcomes an ambitious Stability and Growth Pact. With this package, responsible economic and budgetary policies can be assured for which effective decision-making procedures based on the Community method are needed. Therefore we have to jump the last hurdle."

EPP Group Coordinator in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Jean-Paul Gauzès MEP, said: "The EPP Group calls on all actors to take their responsibilities and seek compromise for this legislative package in view to restoring confidence in the economy and the financial markets in Europe".

For further information:
Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Jean-Paul GAUZÈS MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847700
Corien WORTMANN-KOOL MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845570
Diogo FEIO MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845166
Eduard Slootweg, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-475-721280

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