By Martha Moss - 26th January 2012
Tonight, we celebrate, and tomorrow it's back to work so we can get Europe back to work
Nicolai Wammen
Many citizens think the EU is something that goes in on Brussels and has very little to do with their own lives
Dan Jørgensen
My group supports all the new measures that have been taken and which are in the pipeline to consolidate our economies
ALDE deputy Jens Rohde
Danish European affairs minister Nicolai Wammen has said that his country's council presidency will focus on boosting economic growth in the EU.
Speaking at the Parliament Magazine's Danish presidency reception, Wammen said, "We must ensure an economically responsible Europe and we must help the EU return to growth."
He also spoke of the need to secure a "responsible and modern budget" for 2014-2020, and cited other priorities, such as promoting green growth and strengthening the Schengen agreement to ensure a safe and secure Europe.
"We need to make our unified machine room work hard to produce the many singular decisions here and now that will help bring us out of the crisis," he told the packed event.
"We must demonstrate that the EU is so much more than day-to-day crisis management. We of course need that, but we also need to invest in our future now. Tonight, we celebrate, and tomorrow it's back to work so we can get Europe back to work."
Wammen also said he had "invested a lot of time and effort in getting to know you in the parliament and in the other EU institutions better".
And he stressed the need for close contacts with MEPs "when the heat is on and we need to find common ground on a number of key issues".
"A good working relationship between the European parliament and the Danish presidency is crucial if we are to bring Europe forward," he said.
"Especially at the moment, when the EU is confronted by so many challenges."
'A spirit of cooperation'
Opening the event, Dan Jørgensen, the head of the Danish delegation of Social Democrats in the parliament, said he was "very proud" that 16 Danish ministers had visited parliament this week to present the presidency programme.
"I think it's a very ambitious programme," he said, adding, "The four headlines: a responsible Europe, a dynamic Europe, a green Europe and a safe Europe show that we have a presidency that wants to create results - clear, tangible results.
"That's extremely important especially in a time of crisis, because many citizens think the EU is something that goes in on Brussels and has very little to do with their own lives."
Jørgensen also pledged to work with Denmark in a spirit of cooperation. "I can assure the Danish presidency that the European parliament will work hard to be collaborative with you," he said.
ALDE deputy Jens Rohde said the presidency was an opportunity to "not only communicate the EU better to our citizens, but to do the EU better for our citizens".
This is more important than ever in the current "make or break" economic climate, he said.
He added, "The debt crisis seems to be continuing endlessly. My group supports all the new measures that have been taken and which are in the pipeline to consolidate our economies and strengthen European economic governance.
"I know from my colleagues across all political groups that the very proactive and inclusive approach that the presidency has taken so far towards this house is greatly appreciated.
"I look forward to working with my parliament colleagues, the council and the Danish government."
The event was held in the European parliament's members' restaurant in association with Carlsberg, the Danish Brewers Association and the Brewers of Europe.
