Společná odpověď na finanční krizi

Zasedání Evropské rady ve dnech 15. a 16. října 2008 se uskutečnilo v situaci poznamenané mezinárodní hospodářskou a finanční krizí. Evropská rada vyjádřila odhodlání postupovat ve vzájemné shodě a komplexním způsobem s cílem chránit evropský finanční systém i jednotlivé vkladatele. Evropská rada znovu potvrdila cíl dosáhnout do konce tohoto roku celkové dohody o balíčku v oblasti energetiky a změny klimatu. Dohodla se na urychlení činnosti, pokud jde o energetickou bezpečnost. Přijala Evropský pakt o přistěhovalectví a azylu. Pokud jde o vnější vztahy, zhodnotila provádění dohody ze dne 8. září ze strany Ruska, situaci v Gruzii a vztahy EU s jejími východními sousedy. Evropská rada si vyslechla analytickou zprávu irského předsedy vlády týkající se irského referenda o Lisabonské smlouvě; k této otázce se Evropská rada vrátí na prosincovém zasedání. Evropská rada potvrdila složení Reflexní skupiny pro diskusi o budoucnosti Unie.

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The Heads of State and Government endorsed the concerted action plan of the euro area countries of 12 October as a collective response to the financial turbulence. They reaffirmed their commitment that in all circumstances the necessary measures will be taken to preserve the stability of the financial system, to support the major financial institutions, to avoid bankruptcies and to protect savers' deposits.

It was decided to establish a " financial crisis cell" to enable speedy and effective action to be taken in a crisis situation. This informal mechanism will bring together representatives of the Presidency‑in‑office, the President of the Commission, the President of the European Central Bank, the President of the Eurogroup and the governments of the Member States.

The leaders emphasised the need to strengthen the supervision of the European financial sector. They also expressed their support for rapid strengthening of prudential rules. The rules on rating agencies and their supervision should also be swiftly strengthened.

At the global level, the European leaders called for an all-encompassing reform of the international financial system. That reform should be guided by the principles of transparency, sound banking, responsibility, integrity and world governance. The aim is to take appropriate decisions rapidly, so as to engender confidence among savers and investors in every country.

With regard to energy and climate change, the European Council stated its determination to pursue the objective of finding appropriate solutions to honour the EU's ambitious commitments on climate and energy policy. Work will be stepped up to arrive at a decision in December.

Energy securityis a priority for the European Union. Security of supply involves the responsibility and solidarity of all the Member States. The European leaders adopted a series of guidelines which should serve as a basis for the Commission to draw up proposals, in particular on energy efficiency, the diversification of energy sources and supply routes: and the development of crisis mechanisms. The Union's relations with producer and transit countries will also be developed.

The European Pact on Immigration and Asylum was formally adopted by the European Council. The pact will form the basis for a true common immigration policy, guided by a spirit of solidarity between Member States.

The European Council approved the proposal concerning the composition of the Reflection Group on the Future of Europe which was submitted by the Chairman of the Group, Felipe González, and its two Vice-Chairmen, former Latvian President VairaViķe-Freiberga and former

Nokia boss Jorma Ollila. The twelve-member Group was set up to help the Union identify the challenges with which Europe will be faced in 15 to 25 years' time and to submit proposals to respond to them.

For further information:

Conclusions of the European Council (pdf)

Council webcast of press conference

Forthcoming events:

Environment Council, Luxembourg, 20 October
Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg, 24 October