"On the economy, common policies and on external relations, the Hungarian Presidency has been faultless", declared Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, during a debate with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

In the Chairman's view, the Hungarian Presidency of the European Council has shown that the rotating Presidency continues to play an important role in our decision-making process. "The importance of the progress made in recent months on several fronts is clear."

On the economy, Joseph Daul paid tribute to the important role played by the Hungarian Presidency in stabilising the Euro, but also its promotion of budgetary cooperation between Member States during the first year of the 'European Semester'.

He regretted, however, that due to a change in attitude of certain political forces in the European Parliament, the legislative package on European governance couldn't be concluded this week. "Yet, we were successful in 95% of what we asked for. Without economic governance, there will be no stability for the Euro and there will be no renewed growth and employment", warned Joseph Daul.

The Chairman of the biggest parliamentary Group in the European Parliament highlighted the progress made under the Hungarian Presidency, be it on cohesion policy, energy, the Common Agricultural Policy or the internal market. He congratulated Viktor Orbán on great success in establishing a Roma Strategy, following months of controversy.

Welcoming the positive decision on the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen zone, as well as the green light for Croatia to become the 28th Member State of the European Union, Joseph Daul said that we were able to take these decisions only because those countries concerned fulfilled their duties.

Despite a politically and economically complex environment and unjust criticism of certain national decisions, the Hungarian Presidency has succeeded with flying colours", concluded Joseph Daul.

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 264 Members.