Barroso defends 2009 strategy to MEPs

摘要

In reaction to the EU executive's annual policy strategy for 2009, adopted on 13 February, MEPs, meeting in Strasbourg on 11 March, urged the European Commission to "strongly" commit to the implementation of its legislative proposals for next year. 2009 will be a year of transition for the Union. It will be marked by the (likely) entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the European elections and the appointment of a new Commission. For Jose Manuel Barroso's team, whose mandate will come to an end, 2009 will also signify a political assessment of five years of work. "What we do in the first half of the year will detennine the climate for the June elections," acknowledged Barroso. In its annual strategy, the Commission thus focuses on the fight against climate change and energy security. Growth and employment are also among the "priority actions" listed, even if the publicity surrounding the Lisbon strategy seems to have subsided given the modest results of the latter.