Guy Verhofstadt, along with the Parliamentary Committee Coordinators for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe are currently in Warsaw for a series of informal meetings with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and members of Polish government. This is an opportunity for the European Liberals and Democrats to share their priorities on the eve of the EU Council's Polish Presidency.

Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE president, said: "The increased tension in the bond market reminds us that the EU needs deeper reforms in order to find a lasting solution to the Eurozone crisis. More specifically, we explained to our partners that the time had come for short-term exchange claims on sovereign debt of countries no longer able to finance themselves in the markets, and medium term through the launch of Eurobonds, a first step towards the creation of a European bond market. "

"A strengthened financial solidarity mechanism can only be justified in the context of a tighter fiscal policy. That is why we have reiterated our wish that the reform of the Stability Pact, still in negotiations with the Council, lead to more credible provision in the preventive arm, including more automatic sanctions"

"Our proposals were met in Warsaw with a positive response. Poland is indeed a country deeply committed towards European integration and Prime Minister Tusk has a clear vision of the challenges ahead, which have earned him the full support of European Liberals and Democrats. In particular, we trust in the will of the Polish presidency to work together with the Parliament, respecting the Community method ".

For more information, please contact:

Corlett Neil - Tel:+32 2 284 20 77 Mob:+32 478 78 22 84

Laude Yannick - Tel:+32 2 284 31 69 Mob:+32 495 22 78 37

Web: http://www.alde.eu