"I am optimistic about evolution of European and Spanish economies", says Mariano Rajoy

Brussels

According to Mariano Rajoy, there are three important issues that will be addressed at the European Council: firstly, "the economic situation in the European Union and the outlook for the future". On this matter, the President of the Government expressed his "optimism" at "the evolution of the European and Spanish economies".

Mariano Rajoy recalled that the forecasts for this year indicate growth of 2.5% and the creation of more than 400,000 jobs. "If we maintain stability and avoid doing what we must not do", "then this path of recovery we have been going down for some time now" can continue, he added.

The future of Europe

The second point to be addressed at the meeting of the European Council is the future of Europe, something which will also be raised at the meeting in Rome on 25 March to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. According to Mariano Rajoy, "Europe is a success story"; today it is the leading global economic and trading power and, furthermore, it has a public system of social protection "like no other".

However, European leaders must "pay close attention to those issues that concern European citizens", such as the fight against terrorism, external security, immigration, employment (above all for young people) and maintaining the pillars of the Welfare State, added the President of the Government. Mariano Rajoy pointed out that Spain's commitment is "to aspire to greater integration" in the future.

Support for Donald Tusk

The election of the President of the European Council for the next two and a half years is the third issue to be addressed at the meeting. In this regard, Mariano Rajoy expressed the support of the Government of Spain for the current president, Donald Tusk. "We need to keep Donald Tusk on and hence declare that we are working towards stability".

According to the President of the Government, "Donald Tusk has done a good job" and "Europe needs stability and not to make changes that don't lead anywhere".

The pact is being upheld

In response to questions from the press, Mariano Rajoy stressed that the pact signed at the start of this legislature is being upheld. "The pact remains in force. Many things have already been done".

He also confirmed that government's intention to "reach agreements on the major issues that Spain faces", such as the future of Europe, pensions and education. In his opinion, these issues "are key for the life of the Spanish people".

Mariano Rajoy expressed his interest in talking about all these issues, although he voiced his opinion that "the best thing we can all do is remain calm and resolve things as they are normally resolved, which is by talking".