News

Spain''s presidency of the European Union will begin on Friday with the aim, according to its head of government, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, of achieving economic recovery, strengthening the role of the twenty-seven countries of Europe within the global arena and consolidating citizens'' rights.

Zapatero will also enjoy the responsibility of implementing the Lisbon Treaty, the latest European Community framework intended to revitalize the EU following months of political and economic uncertainty.

Cooperation and dialogue

For Zapatero, economic policy is a priority and, aside from battling the crisis, he said, "we must move forward with the creation of a truly economic government for the EU and, in particular, the eurozone".

Russia was one of the first nations to declare its support; its Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexandr Grushkó, said he trusted that during the Spanish presidency some important advances in EU relations would be achieved, in particular regarding the problem of visas.