Respuesta unificada ante la crisis financiera

El Consejo Europeo se ha reunido los días 15 y 16 de octubre de 2008 en un contexto marcado por la crisis económica y financiera internacional. El Consejo Europeo ha manifestado su determinación de actuar de forma concertada y global para proteger el sistema financiero europeo y a los depositantes. El Consejo Europeo ha reafirmado el objetivo de llegar a un acuerdo de conjunto sobre el expediente «energía‑cambio climático» antes de fin de año. Ha acordado acelerar los trabajos sobre la seguridad energética. Ha adoptado el Pacto Europeo sobre Inmigración y Asilo. En el plano exterior, ha hecho balance de la aplicación por parte de Rusia del acuerdo del 8 de septiembre, la situación en Georgia y las relaciones de la UE con sus vecinos orientales. El Consejo Europeo ha oído el análisis del Primer Ministro irlandés acerca del referéndum celebrado en Irlanda sobre el Tratado de Lisboa, cuestión de la que volverá a ocuparse en diciembre. El Consejo Europeo ha confirmado la composición del Grupo de Reflexión sobre el Futuro de la Unión.

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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