UK minister hails EU's response to financial crisis

The EU's response to the global financial crisis shows its worth on the world stage, claims the UK’s Europe minister Caroline Flint.

Addressing a meeting of Socialist MEPs, she said, “My impression, after just a few intense weeks as Europe minister, is that the EU really is entering a new phase.

“Over the last few years, lots of people have talked about moving from the institutional debate to delivery.

“And, Irish ratification notwithstanding, I believe this is happening."

She added, “The economic crisis may be seen in the future as the point when people realised that their own fates were linked to what happened in other parts of the world.

“Europe’s response demonstrates how we can be far more effective acting together than alone.”

She said the EU’s “rapid response to the crisis had helped stabilise markets and restore investors’ and savers’ confidence.

“A decisive Europe – capable of swift action.”

Flint went on, “As we look ahead to the European elections, I am convinced that our challenge as pro-Europeans is not to try and get people to love the EU but to get the EU to deliver.”

She was speaking in Manchester at a gathering of Socialists, which included Gary Titley, leader of the UK Labour group in parliament.

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