The head of government pointed out that the Spanish presidency is set to coincide with an important moment for the future of the European Union: the end of the most serious economic crisis that we have seen in the last sixty years.
In his opinion, "as a first main objective, we have to face up to the lessons of this crisis, this serious crisis, from which we have still to recover, and transfer this objective into new European Union proposals."
The President of the government has committed to greater action outside the European Union in order to tackle a new economic order, a more sustainable economy and a solid financial system.
The European Union's main objective, he added, "is to strengthen the common monetary policy, strengthen the euro and strengthen the economic policy of the 27 member states in a coordinated fashion involving a high level of cooperation."
Priorities
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero listed four big priorities for the Spanish presidency: to conclude the association agreements in the context of the European Union-Latin America Summit; to launch the Mediterranean Union; to relaunch the transatlantic relationship with the United States and renew a strategic agreement with Russia.
Furthermore, he pointed out that one of the most appealing and stimulating challenges for the European Union and its citizens is the launch of the European Foreign Service, which "will consolidate, in an extraordinary fashion, the idea of the European Union."
The President is hopeful that the Treaty of Lisbon will come into force and that those countries that have not yet ratified it, will do so.
Constructive presidency that achieves progress
The President of the Spanish government has asked for the ambassadors' cooperation in making the presidency constructive, and one that achieves progress and leaves its mark, bringing the European Union closer together.
Likewise, he is committed to a presidency that gives citizens peace of mind and security about their economic future and the future of stability, and also to a presidency which complies with the principles of opening up the European Union to those countries which have been trying to join the joint project for some time.