Early Eastern eurozone entry a must, France warns 

In a French National Assembly committee meeting on Monday (2 March), Le Maire said "acceleration of entry [into the euro zone] is possible, but it must be carried out with rigour" to avoid creating "instability" in the euro zone once the new countries have joined. 

Le Maire's comments are in line with views expressed by Sarkozy at the EU summit in Brussels last Sunday (1 March). The French president declared that "countries must join the euro," insisting that entry is "a right, not an obligation". 

Le Maire rearticulated this argument by suggesting that it is possible to "study more closely" the 1991 criteria, which define the necessary prerequisites for entry into the euro. "In any event, we need strict criteria," he assured MPs, but nevertheless indicated that he is not opposed to change. 

Franco-German accord needed 

While stressing the necessity of finding a solution to the economic crisis at EU level, the French minister expressed frustration with the pace of action in Europe. "Today, there is a reluctance to take the necessary decisions in Europe," he said, regretting that the crisis had not changed the "behaviour and habits of more calm times". "Momentum" is needed, he added, which "can only come from a Franco-German accord". 

Barroso against fast-tracking 

However, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso dismissed any suggestions that Eastern European countries should be fast-tracked towards eurozone membership. Speaking to journalists in Brussels on Wednesday (4 March), he said such a move would not be on the agenda (EurActiv 05/03/09).

"The revision of the accession criteria is out of the question. It is not at all on the agenda," he said, arguing that such changes could destabilise the euro zone.