Brussels, Tuesday 29 June 2004
Question:
It looks like a result for you, but not for France and Germany, because he is pro-American, he is pro-economic reform, he has supported you on the war too.
Prime Minister:
I think this is the moment for Europe to come together and I think it is good that we have reached a unanimous result at 25. And I think Mr Barroso is the right person, because I think he is someone who shares a strong belief in economic reform, as well as obviously jobs and social justice, but knows that Europe’s economy has got to reform. He is a believer in the alliance with the United States, as well as obviously making sure we work together as the European Union, and I think he is someone who can really make sure that Europe concentrates on the issues that it needs to concentrate on, which are in particular economic growth, getting the economy sorted out and issues to do with security and terrorism. So I think it is an excellent result.
Question:
This election process has not been easy, to be fair. Do you think there are any lessons to be learned from the experience of the past week?
Prime Minister:
I think it was always going to be difficult with a big decision like this, but we have come to the right decision and that is the important thing, and it was a unanimous decision, so in the end everyone came to an agreement and I think that is good. And I congratulate Jose Barroso, I think he will make as I say an excellent candidate for the European Union.
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