” “"The euro alone cannot solve all the economic problems of Europe": Joaquin Almunia, commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, comments the first yearly report about the euro-zone, published in Brussels today. Seven years after the creation of the single currency (so far used in 12 countries, plus Slovenia from next year), the report points at the successes of the EU currency as well as the limits imposed by the lack of a single market and a common economic planning. "The euro must go hand in hand points out Almunia, who chaired the Ecofin yesterday, giving the go-ahead to Slovenia with a structural reform and the accomplishment of a single market, especially in the service area". "More international visibility is therefore needed". The report adopted by Barroso’s Executive Committee calls the member states "to work harder to increase the growth potential and create more jobs in order to reduce the number of unemployed people faster". According to the commissioners’ team, the greatest challenge for the euro-zone (a population of 310 million, average GDP growth rate 2.1%, unemployment 7.9%) "consists in expediting the economic reforms". (to be continued)” “
