Poland calls for boost in EU growth rate

The European Union must accelerate its anaemic growth rate to help consolidate the bloc’s tattered public finances, according to a new report 'Towards a European consensus on growth' by the Polish EU Presidency issued on the 6 October 2011. The report calls for steps to improve the common market and smooth the functioning of digital transactions.

State Secretary for European Affairs Mikołaj Dowgielewicz presented the Presidency`s report on sources of growth during a political conference in Brussels.

The economic and financial crisis had raised concerns about the future of the European economy and its performance. The prosperity of EU citizens was at stake. Responding to this challenge, the Polish Presidency had placed the question of economic growth at the heart of its agenda for the coming months to december 2011. If Europe is to be competitive on a global scale, it cannot focus solely on fiscal deficit and debt thresholds. The austerity measures need to be accompanied by reforms that will boost economic growth and put us on a solid path out of the crisis.

The Polish Presidency wished to initiate a Europe-wide debate on economic growth. There were two key questions: how to unleash growth potential and how to reconcile necessary investment with the objective of financial stability. The conference would seek to encourage debate on ways in which growth can be fostered and pursued. Mr. Mikołaj Dowgielewicz, Poland's Secretary of State for European Affairs presented the Presidency report on sources of economic growth. Further food for thought was provided by the comprehensive report on European growth that was presented by the World Bank.

Poland: EU Presidency: Sources of Growth in Europe http://pl2011.eu/en/content/sources-growth-europe

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