"The seriousness of the financial crisis is apparent to everyone. Of course, even the next EU summit of 15-16 October will be affected by this problem", which "concerns several players" and "is developing fast". José Manuel Barroso spoke at the EU Parliament at a debate on next week’s European Council and illustrates the economic situation, praises the decision taken by the ECB to reduce rates and asks for "coordinated measures" across the EU. Then, he reveals the decision to establish a taskforce within the EU Executive to deal with the situation. He recalls that "we are dealing with fragmented control systems". "This crisis he adds has already had some heavy consequences on real economy. We will have to face some difficult times. We have to look for measures to help the small- and medium-sized companies". Then, he points out: "Now, we have to act for financial rescue, but we must also take care of human rescue. There are too many people in the world who are starving to death. We must help the poorer countries, which are suffering more than we do, at this stage". Then, he adds: "At the summit, we will also speak of the Lisbon Treaty. The latest events prove that this Treaty is essential to have a stronger Europe, which can act".
