The Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Waldemar Pawlak insisted at the plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the need for Europe to have its own "transparent, accountable and responsible" rating agency. He also enjoyed the occasion to present the Polish presidency priorities to the EESC members.

Waldemar Pawlak, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, debated with EESC members on ways of achieving a sustainable Europe on 13 July at EESC plenary session. The Polish Deputy Prime Minister stressed that besides achieving its ambitious program, the Polish Presidency has to take up the challenge of finding solutions to the current crisis. With regard to the current sovereign debt woes in Europe, Mr Pawlak insisted on the need for Europe to have its own "transparent, accountable and responsible" rating agency.

He reminded the Polish Presidency's priorities: a sustainable, open, safer and better integrated Europe. He also stressed that the Presidency would seek progress in the integration process, especially regarding Croatia’s accession, and would also seek closer cooperation with neighbouring states. At the same time the Presidency will strive to remove the remaining barriers between Member States and open up to other countries.

Mr Buzek, President of the European Parliament, underlined the importance of solidarity, a value that will be crucial "to create a Europe in which our children and our grandchildren will love to live". He highlighted the fundamental importance of improving European economic governance, to give real application to the concept of 'economic solidarity' formulated in the Lisbon Treaty. In this context he said the Stability and Growth Pact should be reinforced by automatic sanctions against countries in breach of deficit and debt caps.