Austrian Presidency to prioritise growth and jobs, reveals Schüssel
The Austrian government discussed concrete plans for its Presidency of the EU with representatives of the European Commission on 9 January, revealing that growth and jobs would form the focus of its activities for the first half of its six-month term. Following the working meeting in Brussels, the Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel welcomed the positive nature of the talks between his government and the Commission. 'The European Union can only be strong if we all work together on this important European project that is our destiny, vision, dream and practical reality,' he said. Chancellor Schüssel continued: 'We must give Europe fresh impetus this year. The Austrian Presidency will take a number of concrete steps to implement this ambitious plan. We intend to prioritise growth and jobs up to the March Summit. Europe needs to do much more in this particular area, as this is what particularly interests ordinary people.' The Austrian Presidency will focus on a number of specific priorities within the wider priority of growth and jobs. 'We intend to promote small and medium sized businesses and devote greater attention to research and development. At the same time, we must also look after the interests of all those who risk being left behind,' said Mr Schüssel. Finally, the Chancellor revealed that the second half of Austria's Presidency, leading up to the June Summit, would focus on the debate on the future of Europe.
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