BERLIN (MNI) – EU Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said
Thursday he is confident that Ireland will meet its fiscal targets.
“Ireland still has major challenges, that is clear to everybody,”
Rehn told reporters on the sidelines of a financial conference here.
“But at the same time the Irish government in the past and present has
shown its determination and ability to take the necessary even difficult
decisions.”
Thus, “I have full confidence in the capacity of the Irish
government to complete its financial repair and to ensure that the
financial targets will be met,” the Commissioner said.
In other remarks, Rehn said it was yet too early to ponder a
permanent crisis solution. “We have time to reflect and should not rush
to any decisions,” he said.
Rather, “in the course of next year the Commission may make an
analysis on the basis of the previous experience with the crisis
mechanism and possibly make a proposal for a permanent crisis
resolution,” Rehn explained.
Turning to the EU economy, the Commissioner said “recent data
proves clearly that the economic recovery has gained momentum.” The EU
is exiting from the financial crisis and as regards the real economy “we
have more solid ground under our feet,” he asserted.
Still, Rehn cautioned that there is “no reason for complacency” on
the economy. “I do not think that the euro is in a crisis but we’re
still having concerns on our economy,” he acknowledged.
–Berlin bureau: +49-30-22 62 05 80; email: twidder@marketnews.com
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