"The Euro is an essential pillar of the European construction and everything will be done to stabilise and strengthen it. This said, no-one is unaware of the seriousness of the situation that Europe is witnessing. That is why everything must be done in 2011 to restore market confidence, not in a superficial way but structurally - ie. by creating conditions for growth and employment in the long term," highlighted Joseph Daul in a debate on the Euro with Herman Van Rompuy.

For the Chairman of the most influential European parliamentary Group, this means that national public finances must firstly be put in order. Then Member States must do more to coordinate their budgetary policies, as well as fiscal and social policies. Finally, we need to agree quickly on the relief fund in the Eurozone. This only makes sense if it is accompanied by rigorous application of budgetary discipline rules.

"Our citizens have to know that the countries they are helping in difficult circumstances manage their public finances very strictly, otherwise they will no longer accept paying out", added Joseph Daul.

The Chairman of the EPP Group renewed his appeal in favour of the completion of the internal market but also for increased investment in research and innovation and in education and lifelong learning.

"My Group hopes that the Community approach is favoured over the intergovernmental approach in all these fields of action, simply because it is more efficient and therefore more profitable."

Finally, Joseph Daul asked Herman Van Rompuy to ensure that the reform of the Treaty is concluded as soon as possible, without interfering with other European debates such as that on the budget.

For further information:

Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +33-3-88175525

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 265 Members.