EU-president Van Rompuy ontmoet Bulgaarse president Rosen Plevneliev (en)

Remarks by

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy i following the meeting with President of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev

I would like to welcome President Plevneliev to Brussels, to the European Council. It is symbolic that his first foreign trip after assumption of office brought him to the European Union

We discussed the preparation of next Monday's informal meeting of the Members of the European Council and we gave particular attention to the work on the new intergovernmental treaty. I confirmed to the President that the Treaty fully respects the EU legal framework and procedures. It is open for all EU Member States to join. Furthermore, the objective is to implement the provisions of this Treaty in the EU legal framework as soon as possible

We also took a look at our common objectives regarding economic growth and employment. We agreed not only on the need of a growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, but also on the need of a job-friendly economic growth. In this context, next Monday's meeting will look at how to stimulate employment, in particular, for youth; how to complete our work on the single market; and how to boost the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises

We touched upon the outstanding issue of the accession of Bulgaria (and also Romania) to the Schengen area. As you know, due to the lack of unanimity it has not been possible, for the Council to take a positive decision yet

Dirk De Backer - Spokesperson of the President - 8 +32 (0)2 281 9768 - +32 (0)497 59 99 19 Jesus Carmona - Deputy Spokesperson of the President - 8 +32 (0)2 281 9548 / 5150 - +32 (0)475 65 32 15 press.president@consilium.europa.eu http://www.consilium.europa.eu/

My position is clear: Since it has been confirmed by all Member States that both countries fulfil the technical Schengen-criteria for accession, the Council should take this decision as soon as possible now. I assured President Plevneliev that I am ready to put this topic on the agenda of the March European Council again in case no decision should have been taken by then

Independently of this, President Plevneliev and I fully agree that it is of utmost importance for Bulgaria to make further substantial progress to fight corruption and organised crime, to reform the justice system and the rule of law

Finally, we shared views related to enlargement and the Western Balkans. The signature of the Accession Treaty with Croatia on 9 December, and the ensuing successful referendum in Croatia were important moments for Europe and European integration. It is a major positive signal to the other countries of the Western Balkans of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance

The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Serbia and Montenegro. The December European Council has set clear, realistic and achievable targets and objectives for both countries to make the next step. I shared with President Plevneliev my conviction that both countries will deliver. Our strategic interests and goals are not different in this regard

EUC