"The consultations on the media law between the Hungarian Government and the European Commission successfully came to an end today. The clarifications on the criticised items have been made, and the Hungarian Government will carry out the requested modifications in the coming days. The Commission announced that the modifications would ensure that the act complies with the aspects of EU law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights", said Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

The Icelandic Parliament has approved a bill which will lead to the repayment of British and Dutch depositors who lost funds when the Icesave bank collapsed.

Tomorrow, the European Parliament will adopt a resolution to wind up today's debate on the Europe 2020 strategy for growth over the next 10 years. Liberals and Democrats, who have been at the forefront in calling for a more robust approach to the economic growth strategy, fear that the current Europe 2020 strategy is doomed to fail.

Bendt Bendtsen MEP and Paul Rübig, Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the SME Circle in the EPP Group, welcome today's adoption in the Parliament of a series of recommendations intended to give new impetus to growth and job creation in Europe's SMEs.

"Europe must focus on creating the best possible business climate for its SMEs. SMEs are Europe's most important growth driver. Making sure that our SMEs get better access to financing is a prerequisite to renewed growth, job creation and stronger competitiveness in Europe", said Bendt Bendtsen MEP after today's vote.

The European 2020 Strategy, designed to turn the EU into a smart, sustainable social market economy, must complement a reinforced Stability and Growth Pact and be part of the economic governance package. "We should focus on sound public finances. Fiscal stability is essential for growth and employment. Member States with the most prudent fiscal policies are now performing best.