BRUSSELS (MNI)- The euro’s fall against the US dollar should help
Europe’s competitiveness and boost exports, EU Council President Herman
Van Rompuy said on Tuesday.
The euro has fallen roughly 11% against the dollar over the last
two years, providing a helping hand for Eurozone exporters such as
Germany.
Speaking after a meeting with Spain’s new prime minister, Mariano
Rajoy, Van Rompuy also emphasised the importance of policies aimed at
creating jobs. “Our foremost concern should be combatting unemployment
and creating jobs,” he said.
Restoring confidence in the Eurozone “will strengthen consumer
confidence, which is key to enhancing private consumption,” he said.
At their summit in Brussels on January 30, EU leaders will focus on
policies to tackle youth unemployment and promote “life-long learning”,
said Van Rompuy, adding that he would propose that each EU country
establish a “job plan” to be monitored by the EU.
“The European Council on 30 January will emphasise a two-pillar
approach: fiscal consolidation on the one hand, and a positive agenda
for growth and jobs on the other hand,” he said.
Van Rompuy also praised Spain for “rapidly and consistently
transforming into reality” its fiscal and structural reform policies.
–Brussels newsroom +32(0)495228374; pkoh@marketnews.com
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