Mr President, the Council’s most bitter critics were those who attended late at night and turned out at the demonstration in the morning. So far, the worst they have been able to say is that Barcelona was a small step. I would add that it was a small step in the right direction. By way of clarification I should say that I think it is a step in the right direction because now we are no longer discussing the issues which concerned us five days ago. Mr Barón is the exception to the rule. We are not discussing the dogma of price stability any more, nor are we arguing for or against the Stability Pact. We have also ceased to debate the need or urgency of speeding up structural reform to attain three aims, namely a functioning market, the principle of social compensation, and sustainable development. It is undiluted Müller-Armak. I should like to make two brief points on economic reform. In the wake of Barcelona it is now crystal-clear that as far as energy and gas are concerned, liberalisation does not necessarily equate to privatisation. Those wishing to retain public concerns are free to do so. It is also evident that liberalisation must take account of the basic principles of general interest services such as equal access, continuity of supply and consumer safety. Speeches made from other benches calling for liberalisation to be postponed further therefore amount to excuses from a bad payer. I simply cannot understand why it is supposed to be good for industry to be able to chose a supplier whilst denying household consumers that same choice. I only have one message for the Council regarding financial markets. Parliament has shown considerable generosity in approving the von Wogau report. It has also shown considerable efficiency in approving the relevant measures. I can take it on myself to provide an assurance that if the Council forwards us the eight modifications it proposed regarding financial services by express post, the relevant reply will also be dispatched by express post. Please send us the common positions. I should like to make one last comment on the subject of the institutional structures needed for these reforms: Seville. The Council and the Commission would do well to consider what action is required at institutional level to ensure that the outstanding reforms are carried out. What is the role of Parliament and of the Council in the legislative procedure (Article 202)? Who actually controls economic policies? To put it another way, are we heading towards an economic government or not? Who represents the euro on the international stage? Should we retain unanimity for fiscal issues when we number 27, so the smallest of all can veto any decision? These are the issues the Council has outstanding. I congratulate the Presidency-in-Office on the success of Barcelona. Congratulations are also due to the Spanish Government. The latter would have been blamed for not providing enough police if unrest had taken place. Since there were enough police officers on duty, the authorities are being criticised instead for providing too many. In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, votes are what counts, not shouting in the streets, and the signs are encouraging.

Political group: PPE-DE