Van Rompuy bespreekt plannen voor economische herstel binnen de EU met Iers voorzitterschap (en)

The visit today of Herman Van Rompuy i, President of the European Council, is the first major event of the Irish Presidency in Dublin which will see approximately 180 other meetings and events there between now and the end of June.

Discussions between the Taoiseach Enda Kenny i, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and President Van Rompuy centred on the Irish Presidency’s plans to secure the foundations for economic recovery in the EU and enable job creation. Particular focus was given to the Banking Union measures and effective economic governance in order to promote stability.

They discussed the business of the European Council over the next few months, including trade policy, energy and the European Semester process.

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste also stressed the Presidency’s support in reaching agreement on the EU’s future financing from 2014-2020 to underpin growth and job creation through funding for regional cohesion in Europe, support for developing sectors such as research and innovation, stronger investment in Europe’s telecommunications, transport and energy networks, and securing more sustainable development in agriculture and fisheries.

Discussions also centred on the Irish Presidency’s objective of tackling youth unemployment. While plans by the Presidency to focus on specific sectors to stimulate growth and jobs were also highlighted. These include attaching a stronger priority to the Single Market (including the Digital Single Market), measures aimed at support European SMEs, reaching agreement on the Horizon 2020 programme to underpin European research and innovation into the future, and the EU external trade agenda.

Following today’s meeting, President Van Rompuy spoke at an event organised by Ithe Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation.

Tomorrow, the Government will welcome the European Commission College to Dublin to discuss Irish Presidency priorities.