The Chairman of the largest European parliamentary group (EPP, centre-right) gave his support to Franco-German proposals to put in place, as soon as possible, a European economic government and to ensure the health of national public finances through constitutional reforms.

"The EPP Group has, for months now, been calling for true economic convergence, whether budgetary, fiscal and also social, between eurozone countries and beyond."

"And it is for decades that progress on fiscal convergence has been expected, without success up until now: the conclusions of the Elysée meeting on 16 August therefore move in the right direction."

"That said," added Joseph Daul, "weak growth and the very worrying employment situation in the EU certainly require even more ambitious measures. I note that the French and German leaders haven't ruled out new measures in the near future."

"At our next meetings, my Group will concentrate its efforts on defining concrete proposals to strengthen the confidence of Europeans in their economy and of financial markets in the sustainability of the eurozone. We will examine all possible options, including how eurobonds might help stabilise the eurozone," declared Joseph Daul, who stressed the importance of the parliamentary dimension of a European economic government.

"I ask national and European centre-right parliamentarians to work together closely to support the efforts of governments, who are, for the most part, from the EPP family as well."

Joseph Daul welcomed the renewed commitment this week by France and Germany to overcome the current crisis by basing their proposed solutions on deeper European integration than seen in the past. "The solution to our problems is not less, but more European convergence," concluded Joseph Daul.

For further information:

Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525 

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.