EU economic growth now steady: Envoy

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 19

“It is a misconception that economy of the European Union is still reeling under economic crisis. This information is completely outdated as things have improved from what they were in 2012-13. In 2013, we entered into a stage of recovery,” says Tomasz Kozlowski, The Ambassador of the European Union to India, here today. 

While interacting with the mediapersons at Panjab University, he said, “During the last four years, we have maintained economic growth without sliding down again. Now, we have full confidence that we have embarked on steady and sustainable economic growth. The consumer confidence now is the highest since 16 years back. We have growing consumer spendings, growing investments and exports. These three are basically the main elements which contribute to the economic growth.”                                                        

Earlier in the day, Tomasz Kozlowski participated in an international conference titled “EU Day” organised by the Department of Defence and National Security Studies at the Panjab University and invited students, researchers and faculty members to take full advantage of the various types of scholarships and funding opportunities available under the EU-funded programmes. 

The Ambassador said this was a concrete example of the steps being taken to strengthen the European Union’s multi-faceted relationship with India towards implementing the joint statement issued at the 14th EU India Summit held in New Delhi on October 6 last year. 

The Ambassador invited the students, researchers and faculty to tap the various opportunities available under the EU-funded programmes for higher education and research such as Erasmus+, Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions, the Jean Monnet programme and Horizon 2020.

While recalling the Punjabi diaspora’s stellar contribution to the Europe’s economy and society, Ambassador Kozlowski said the entrepreneurial zeal and hardworking character of the community have been widely recognized and appreciated. 

Vice-Chancellor Arun K Grover and Dean (International Relations) Prof Deepa Gupta gave the welcome address. Prof Jaskaran S Waraich, chairman, Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Dean, delivered the vote of thanks.

During the past four years, we have maintained economic growth without sliding down again. Now, we have full confidence that we have embarked on steady and sustainable economic growth. The consumer confidence now is the highest in the past 16 years. We have growing consumer spendings, growing investments and exports. These three are basically the main elements which contribute to the economic growth.—  Tomasz Kozlowski