Toespraak Commissievoorzitter Barroso bij opening van nieuwe Poolse permanente vertegenwoordiging bij EU (en)

Prime Minister Tusk i,

President of the European Parliament,

President of the European Council,

Ministers,

Dear Ambassador,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, congratulations to Poland for this initiative! I'm delighted to be with you to celebrate the opening of your new Permanent Representation located right in the heart of the European district, just as Poland is right at the heart of the European Union.

Poland has already made great contributions to our European family. 2011 is a particularly significant year, as Poland takes over the Presidency of the EU for the first time.

We look forward to the focus that Poland has decided to put on growth, security, and openness during these six months. Preparatory work is very well advanced, and the incoming Presidency can count on the Commission's full support for the success of this Presidency.

One thing is sure - there will never be an idle moment. There will be a lot of work during these six months and there is a joint determination to make it a success. Key elements of the future financial framework must be decided and framed around the real added value of the European Union, so it will be under the Polish Presidency that we will start discussion on the future budget for the European Union.

We must also carry forward work on economic governance, deepening the Internal Market, making progress in the financial regulations and implementing growth-enhancing measures.

And externally, we have high-level international meetings, for instance on climate change, but also a very important Summit on the Eastern Neighbourhood. It is very important to forge closer ties with our Eastern partners and I very much count on Polish leadership to achieve this goal that is shared by all of us in the European Union.

It will be a busy time for all us. But we know that Poland is capable of great things, and I look forward to you showcasing of these qualities in the coming months.

I cannot fail to mention here one idea and one movement that links us forever and that is an image of Poland in Europe and in the world: the idea of solidarity. We need this solidarity today, not only symbolically, but in concrete terms in our Union.

Let me tell you, dear Donald, that I really found very inspiring the Presidency logo that you have decided to adopt. In fact it is a master-stroke. I think that inspiration, that symbol of our shared progress in the past but also aspirations for our shared future are indeed a great idea for all of us in the European Union.

With my congratulations, I wish you and all those that are going to work in this very intelligent building, a very intelligent contribution to our smart growth strategy.

Thank you.