Joaquin Almunia Quotations

Although the (European) Commission welcomes the renewed priority attached by the German government to budgetary consolidation, it is clear that the procedure needs to be stepped up to guarantee a lasting correction of the deficit.

These examples should encourage other countries, such as Greece, France and Portugal, to pursue the efforts to bring their public finances in order.

There was a downward risk presented by the evolution of oil prices and this risk has materialized in the last month.

I have asked (commission economists) to give me interim forecasts twice a year as well as the standard forecasts that we get twice a year.

Throwing sand into the wheels of deeper international economic integration in order to reduce adjustment costs, as contemplated by some, is not an attractive option.

Of course there is a risk there but so far we have not quantified these risks in these forecasts.

Upon closer inspection many of the allegedly negative implications of rising international trade and investment for jobs, wages and living standards are belied by the evidence,

We think that enlargement from an economic point of view has been a clear success for the 10 new member states.

We have to develop a market mechanism and to try to diversify our energy sources.

I think everybody agrees that the Commission is enforcing competition rules with absolute independence.