Press conference by President of the Government and Prime Minister of Poland following Spain-Poland Summit

President of the Government.- Ladies and gentlemen, a very good afternoon to you.

I would like to welcome the Prime Minister of Poland, Ewa Kopacz, to Moncloa Palace, in her first participation in a bilateral Summit with Spain as the Head of Government. My welcome also extends to the members of her government who today have boosted those projects on which we have been working closely together, both bilaterally and at a European Union level.

This is our 11th bilateral summit, and the fourth in the last four years. This year, a very hot Madrid plays host to the summit at a time which is very intense for both the Eurozone and the European Union.

Relations between Spain and Poland have never been so intense, because never before have two of the oldest and greatest nations in Europe had so many interests in common and, above all, never before have they been dealt with so closely and in a spirit of such ongoing commitment and cooperation as at present.

Neither Spain nor Poland were there to play a part, for different reasons, in the birth of the then European Communities, however both countries are now key players in the EU at this time and, above all, in the future of the European project.

For my government it was a source of great pride to support a Pole, Donald Tusk, in his election as President of the European Council last year, just 10 years after Poland joined the European Union.

Prime Minister Kopacz and I have reviewed our excellent bilateral relations. We will both soon face legislative elections. The Prime Minister and I agree on many things, both in the area of economic policy and in the future of the European Union. We also both agree that moderate and pro-European reformist policies are a guarantee of recovery, of sustainable growth and of job creation.

They allow us to strengthen the basic pillar of the European model: the Welfare State. These policies allow both Spain and Poland to head up European growth in 2015.

In another scheme of things, we have tackled the current situation in Greece. After more than five months during which it has managed to lose the budding economic recovery and trust of its European partners, we hope that the agreement reached on Monday morning will be upheld. The lesson is clear: building requires time and effort whereas destruction takes but a moment.

Recovering lost trust is now the main priority and returning to growth and employment is of course the goal for the foreseeable future.

I set out to Prime Minister Kopacz the extent to which, for Spain, the crisis has shown the need to improve the design of our Economic and Monetary Union. To this end, Spain has sought to table very specific proposals which are perceived with interest in Poland and which have been dealt with in detail at the meeting between our Ministers for Economic Affairs.

We have also tackled important issues on the European agenda: the referendum announced on whether the United Kingdom will remain in the EU, European immigration policy, an issue on which we agree needs to be tackled on a global basis, through dialogue and cooperation with the countries of origin and transit, rather than through partial solutions.

On issues of international politics, we addressed the situation in Ukraine, the NATO Summit in Warsaw in 2016, the fight against Jihadi terrorism and Libya.

Any solution in Ukraine must be political and based on the Minsk Accords. Respecting territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Ukraine must be combined with suitable decentralisation, a condition precedent to politically integrate the eastern region of the country.

Allow me today to recall the victims of flight MH-17 which was brought down a year ago tomorrow. Spain and Poland are working to ensure that those responsible will be brought to justice.

Poland and Spain also cooperate within NATO to tackle challenges that arise, both on the eastern front and on the southern front. Spain has shown its support through the deployment of aircraft this year and next year through the Baltic Air Policing mission, as part of the NATO naval forces, and through the deployment of Patriot missiles in Turkey.

The fight against Jihadism also requires the ongoing collaboration of everyone. This is a long-term fight that combines preventative diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, the control of sources of financing, actions against radicalisation and the fight against foreign fighters. I would like to highlight the arrest, at the end of June, at Warsaw Airport, of a Moroccan citizen resident in Spain, who had been fighting in the ranks of DAESH.

As regards Libya, we agree on the urgent need for a negotiated political solution through the mediation of the United Nations, to which end the agreement endorsed last Saturday is a step in the right direction. We would urge all parties to make a definitive commitment that leads to the formation of a unity government. This agreement is fundamental for guaranteeing Libyan territorial integrity, for effectively combating Jihadism and also for bringing to a halt the indecent trafficking of human beings.

I wish to end my speech by once again reiterating my gratitude to the Polish Prime Minister. As I said before, and as you are all aware, this is one of the few countries with which we hold a bilateral meeting on an annual basis. Since I have been President of the Government, this has taken place with Germany, with France, with Portugal and with Poland. We are working hard on important issues in the European Union and we are its fourth and fifth largest economies.

Thank you very much again. You now have the floor.

Ms. Kopacz.- Thank you very much, Mr President of the Government.

Ladies and gentlemen, ministers, I am pleased that this 11th edition of the Spain-Poland Summit has been held. These summits are, above all, a perfect opportunity not only to discuss European issues but also bilateral issues.

Today, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Justice, Finance and Public Works have met, as well as representatives for agriculture and economic affairs. Talks were geared towards bilateral issues and their tangible results include the signing today of a memorandum on future collaboration. As part of our meetings, a seminar on investment has been held.

I wish to thank the President of the Government for such interesting talks. As you are all aware, we are living through exceptional times that are very important for Europe. I am pleased that the President of the Government and I agree on the seriousness of the situation in Greece, that requires urgent actions to strengthen both Greece and the Eurozone, and consequently, to strengthen the European Union. An effective solution to the Greek crisis requires efforts on both sides and, above all, a commitment to socio-economic reform in Greece. It is also necessary to implement other instruments that help avert this kind of event happening in any other EU country in the future.

Against this backdrop, the debate on the Economic and Monetary Union is very important. Poland and Spain agree that all the Member States of the European Union should be committed to this process, both those members of the Eurozone and those that will join it in the future.

We also spoke about the serious problem of immigration, the migratory pressure that Europe is subject to. Spain successfully found a way to resolve this problem in the past. The European Union must tackle this issue in a global manner in order, above all, to resolve the problem at source and not only to alleviate the results. The protection of the free movement of people remains a priority for both countries as one of the mainstays of European integration. We will continue to uphold this principle, together with Spain, in the European Union.

We agree that the European Union must focus on the parallel development of both the southern and eastern dimensions of the good neighbourhood policy, above all in light of the threats to common security. It is necessary to maintain the unity of the European Union in respect of the crisis in Ukraine.

Spain remains a very important partner for Poland in the European Union and we thank it for that. It is also our ally in NATO and one of our privileged economic partners.

Today's summit is yet another example of the positive state of relations between our two countries.

Thank you very much, Mr President of the Government.

Q.- I would like to ask about the question of Greece and the share in the European Economic Stability Mechanism, because Greece must repay 7 billion euros to the European Central Bank in the next few days. This money will also be contributed by countries from outside of the Eurozone. What guarantees exist that Greece will repay this money and when will it do so?

Ms. Kopacz.- This is a case of the so-called support from…, a bridging loan. Poland, of course, in the sense of European solidarity, but also thinking about a pragmatic and effective solution for a country, seeks a commitment whereby those countries from outside the Eurozone are not only recipients of statements made by the Greek Government, but also obtain a commitment to undertake reforms in Greece. At present, the Polish Government will do everything possible to guarantee a basic principle: that both the State Budget and our own citizens should not suffer any consequences from providing this assistance, this bailout.

When we talk about the solidarity within the European stability instrument, each one of the Member States of the European Union must obviously contribute in a situation such as this, but also ensure that those countries outside of the Eurozone do not suffer either. If it turns out that at some point in time Greece goes bankrupt, then this fund will guarantee the loan granted by all of us.

I would like to add one more thing, which is obvious when talking about Greece; this is how populist governments end up. We in Poland, like in Spain, are on the point of holding general elections, of other general elections. Just look at what happened in Greece under the previous government: Greece started to reach cruise control and yet, just a few short months later, it is on the verge of bankruptcy. That is why the question to be asked is the following: indeed those who took the country to this situation of being on the edge of a precipice..., because it now transpires that it is the people of Greece who have to assume the results of these promises that had nothing whatsoever to do with the reality. If you promise the world, more than the State Budget can bear, this is what happens. It is also a very good warning for all those who are at present wondering about their own vote in the general elections that are just around the corner in Poland and in Spain.

Q.- With the Prime Minister's permission, I will address the President of the Government of Spain.

Mr President of the Government, in light of the announcement of the single list of candidates in Catalonia whereby, within a period of only six months, it will unilaterally proclaim its independence, I wanted to ask you whether the State is preparing to respond.
Secondly, today the Treasury will meet with its public servants. I wanted to know whether we are going to see any improvements in this sector in the near future.

President of the Government.- The State is fully prepared to ensure the law is upheld if anyone breaches it. Have no doubt about that.

I would like to add a couple of other considerations. We are talking about elections, those to be held in Catalonia, when they are called, and he is entitled to do so, by the President of the Regional Government of Catalonia, that is, regional elections. The only thing elected there are the Members of Parliament and a regional parliament. So, nothing aside from that will be chosen or decided there.

Secondly, as I have just pointed out, the government guarantees to all the people of Spain that it will ensure the law is upheld. So, the law will be upheld in Catalonia and everywhere else in Spain.

I would like to add something that I also feel is important, and I think that this is one of the lessons that some people should learn from the crisis that has taken place in Greece in recent times, when certain things are promised or offered that then come to nothing in practice. I believe that governors must act responsibly, with prudence and with common sense, knowing what they can do and what they can't do.

There will be no independence in Catalonia. And I also want to add that Catalonia will not be leaving Europe which is what is being proposed to the citizens of Catalonia. That is exactly what they are proposing: to leave Europe.

So, the People's Party and the government, and the vast majority of the Spanish people, will ensure that the law is upheld in Catalonia, and moreover, they will also ensure that no-one is going to force any citizen of Catalonia to choose between their status as a Catalan, a Spaniard and a European, because it is these three statuses that enrich them.

Hence, that is the government's position. Parties will stand at the elections, but Spain is one of the great democracies in the world, and in a democracy, the law and the rule of law exist, have no doubts whatsoever about that. I believe that the irresponsibility with which they are acting is what, in the end, will lead to problems and difficulties, as has happened in Greece, where a referendum was called and then, in the end, the person who called this has had to do an about-turn on everything, causing great frustration among the people.

Indeed, I seem to remember that it was one of these days… yes, today, I believe, when the first meeting was scheduled to take place between government representatives and the representatives of the different trade unions to study a series of issues that were pending and which affected public servants.

I wish to reiterate my position and what my position has been during the course of these years that I have headed up the government. We have had to take some tough decision that were necessary because, if not, we could have gone bankrupt or needed a bailout and be faced with similar problems to those that others presently have, and one of the decisions that was taken directly affected public servants, such as the extra payment.

I said back then, and I will say it again now, that, as tax revenue rises and to the extent that the Budget allows this, we will repay the Christmas bonus from back in 2012. I believe that this decision has already been taken as regards one quarter of this - no, I don't believe, I know, and I assert this - and, as and when we can, we will repay this. This is one of the things that will be dealt with there, in the same way as, in light of the General State Budget, the amount of remuneration for next year.

But I should not take a position on this issue because, logically, an agreement will be brokered. We hope that an agreement is reached and we want to count on the participation of the trade union organisations.

Q.- When we talk about a bailout for Greece, how much will Poland contribute to this?

Then, as regards immigration, because I understand that Poland and Spain agree on this situation, when will the Polish Government take a final decision on its quota, on the number of immigrants that Poland will receive?

Ms. Kopacz.- According to the statement that I made, I mentioned the number of 2,000 immigrants to be received by Poland, that it will take in. I would also like to add that, as you are all perfectly aware, we are in the middle of the process. Of those immigrants that are presently in Syria, we want 200 people, that is, more than 60 families, to come to Poland as soon as possible; in other words, before the other 2,000 as part of our quota.

But one thing is certain, and I believe that this is basic, that thanks to President of the Government Rajoy and others at the last European Council, when it was deciding on the issue of immigration… I said something on this issue, that is that it is an issue which cannot be resolved by making statements as to how many immigrants will be taken in. These actions must be complete, global and also relate to repatriation policies for those who come to European countries, those who do not arrive on political grounds, but rather for purely economic reason. In other words, the whole repatriation policy, and also the policy of aid to the countries of origin of these migrants, must be a very specific aid policy, also in economic terms, by the European Union aimed at the countries emitting migrants, who so often perish in the waters of the Mediterranean.

The fact of achieving at that session a very specific drafting, so that each one of the Member States of the European Union would voluntarily declare a number of people that they would take in, was the result of respect for one word: the term European "solidarity", because it is one thing to take people in and quite another to take responsibility for caring for them in all their needs. It is not only a question of food and lodging, but also of their professional future, of teaching their children, of language training, medical services, etc. That is responsible solidarity and that is why, once again, I thank the President of the Government of Spain for his support and for speaking in a single voice at this European Council.

So the criterion of voluntary admission by countries was accepted. We stated we would take in 2,000 people, but on Monday the Home Affairs Ministers will have to make their final statement regarding the quotas to be admitted by each country. I have spoken with Deputy Prime Minister Piechocinski, the representative of our coalition party, and we will then confirm these figures. But this will only be a confirmation, without the need for debate.

The issue of money. It is not a question of money that Poland must pay out at this time. We are members of the European Union, we also form part of the so-called European Stability Mechanism; but declaring certain assets. If I remember correctly, the assets declared by Poland amount to some 2 billion euros. These are amounts that within any obligation were signed up to the European fund. In the event that this fund must pay out different sums to Greece because Greece is bankrupt, and unable to pay these debts, then we, as a country outside the Eurozone, will have our contribution guaranteed by the Eurozone countries.

Q.- For the President of the Government of Spain. Going back to the issue of Greece, how do you assess the political situation unfolding in that country, after the Greek Parliament has given its go-ahead to the reform plan agreed in Brussels, with all the ill will and division created within Syriza, and even of the very same people who voted for this party in the last elections in Greece?

Secondly, what do you think about the statement made by Alexis Tsipras who, in the last few hours, has declared that Europe may change if, in the upcoming general elections in Spain, forces similar to Syriza won the elections, in reference to Podemos?

President of the Government.-That Europe might change is clear. What is not clear is in what direction it might change. Well, I hope that we don't have to see here how Europe may change, in the event that a party such as that of Mr Tsipras has to govern alone or in a coalition. But let's get to the heart of the matter.

What must be, in my opinion, the next steps to take and what do I think should happen? The first thing is to achieve the bridging loan because, as we have mentioned here, next Monday, on 20 July, a loan payment to be made by the Greek Government to the European Central Bank expires and, in the event that this is not paid, the rules will lead to Greece going bankrupt, which is, clearly, what we are trying to avoid. So, that is the first point.

An agreement was reached by the Eurogroup today, that the Polish Prime Minister mentioned in her speech, and hence, we understand that this issue has been resolved.

The second issue, which is very important: as soon as possible the Greek Government must agree a programme with the European Central Bank, with the International Monetary Fund and with the European Commission; a programme that will serve for two things: firstly, so that Greece, in successive payouts, can receive these 80-82 billion euros spoken about recently and that, at the same time, the Greek Government undertakes to implement a reform and fiscal consolidation policy. Hence, that is the second main objective: to approve the programme as soon as possible. We hope that the first part of this programme will be approved in the second fortnight of August; between the 12-13 August and the 20-25 August, at the latest.

Thirdly, what needs to take place is that this programme is followed. That is fundamental for two reasons: first, because if this programme is not followed, Greece will not receive the funds; and second, because if the programme is followed, the situation of the Greek economy will improve.

And the fourth main step that needs to be taken is to create growth and jobs; that is the most important thing. To grow and to create jobs means the well-being of people, which is what all these decisions that have been adopted in recent times seek to ensure, decisions by the Eurogroup, the European Council and at other forums.

The goal is for Greece to recover normality, for Greece to enjoy economic growth, for Greece to start to create jobs, for things to return to normal, for citizens to pay their taxes normally and for social assistance to improve.

Hence, that is the goal: to improve the standard of living and wealth in Greece, and that is what the European Union has sought to ensure through these supportive measures that, between us all, we have decided upon and which mean, I repeat, that 82 billion euros will be made available to Greece if it meets its obligations.

So, this is an operation that must be taken very seriously. I believe that we are looking at one of the last opportunities for Greece to exit the crisis, despite what some think, and for Greece to grow and create jobs, because last year Greece enjoyed economic growth, not much but some nonetheless; and jobs were created, few but some nonetheless. And in January this year, when Syriza came to government, the growth forecast for Greece was 2.9%, which is a good economic growth forecast that helps improve the standard of living and increase wealth; but now, five months later, the growth forecast is between -2% and -4%, and that is worrying.

When Syriza came to government, jobs were being created in Greece, but now jobs are being shed; then the debt was sustainable, now it is unsustainable. And, of course, people could go to the banks to withdraw the amount of money they needed when they wanted and saw fit, unlike now, when they can only withdraw 60 euros a day.

So, if things are done right, the aim, which is none other than ensuring that Greece makes progress, and grows, and creates jobs and for people to live better, can be achieved. But, I repeat, European solidarity must go hand-in-hand with responsibility in the decisions that are adopted.

Earlier we spoke about the issue of Catalonia. Well one of the main obligations of political leaders, of governors, whatever their ideology may be, is to be responsible, to be sensible, to act with moderation and to do so with common sense, because the opposite, in the end, is paid for by the people, in whichever country that may be.

Thank you. Thank you very much.