Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (R) talks with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, during their meeting at the Palace of Moncloa in Madrid, Spain, 15 July 2013. Tusk is on an official visit to Spain. Photo: EPA/Emilio Naranjo
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said at a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk that such an agreement would be “a bridge to economic growth,” as cited by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
Rajoy, who leads Spain's conservative People's Party, argued that that such a step would create jobs both for Europe and America.
The Spanish leader stressed that as far as bilateral relations between Poland and Spain are concerned, “there is a lot we can do together,” specifying infrastructure development and energy.
Donald Tusk reflected that Poland is “the biggest construction site in Europe,” and that prospective EU cohesion funds that Poland is due to receive will create further opportunities for Spanish firms.
The Polish leader also noted Spain's advanced use of renewable energy resources. Spain is the world's third largest producer of wind power, and it is also a pioneer in solar power, with the goal of becoming virtually entirely dependent on renewable energy.
Tusk said that both leaders agreed that Europe needs to focus more and more on cheaper energy sources.
“If we want to give people jobs, we have to compete with countries and entire continents where today energy is significantly less expensive,” he said.
Meanwhile, with Spain battling recession, Tusk said that “the last few months have shown that despite the crisis, the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was able to sharply reduce the deficit.
Tusk added that both prime ministers hopes that 2014 “would provide a clear sign that the crisis is ending.”
Today's discussions were played out against a gloomy backdrop for Rajoy, with the prime minister embroiled in a financial corruption scandal with allegations that he and other ministers have been receiving payments under the table through a slush fund. (nh)