Charlie McCreevy Quotations

We wrote to them yesterday and we are waiting for more answers." ()

When you have it, you spend it. The mistake is to try to spend it when you haven't got it.

This will not be allowed, because it would spell the end of the free market as we know it," ()

Lots of member states seem to be wanting to put up unjustified barriers." ()

No-one contests the need to address the high cost of and the corresponding difficulty of having access to cross-border clearing and settlement in the EU. We have not yet reached any definitive view on the precise measures we would propose to remedy this situation. It is clear, though, that the present system is untenable. Changes are going to have to be made. We believe the industry recognizes this as well and we would encourage them to be a part of the solution and not the problem." ()

I am a firm believer in the benefits of open markets and the free movement of capital.

France knows how to work the system. But countries shouldn't come to Brussels and sign up to the internal market and then do the opposite. It is hypocritical." ()

I favor initiating some action, but I await final conclusions from our legal services," ()

We made it quite clear to the French authorities that it can only be in very specific, limited circumstances,

I think that we will have to initiate measures against Spain. I and my colleagues in the ... commission will use every tool in the box to tackle member states who dream up new protectionist means or who seek to erect unjustified barriers to prevent cross-border deals." ()

I think that we will have to initiate measures against Spain." ()

I will be monitoring the situation closely and, if I am not satisfied that sufficient progress is being made, I will take tougher action," ()

I would like to welcome the vote reached today in the European Parliament. I know that this has been the subject of a lively and vigorous debate.

We have not yet reached any definitive view on the precise measures we would propose to remedy this situation." ()

We should proceed against all these countries." ()

With the broad consensus reached on key aspects of this proposal the European Parliament has provided us with a solid basis for going forward." ()

These licenses will make it easier for new European-based online services to take off," ()

One can stay within the legal rules, but not completely comply with the spirit," ()

This has allowed us to move on from allegations on the lowering of social standards and threats to the European social model." ()

It's obvious that even from the very start they were a great success. The purpose behind them was to encourage people to save and it has done that." ()

I want to foster a climate where EU-wide licenses are more readily available for legitimate online music service providers." ()

They will also increase cross-border competition to the benefit of investors and issuers alike." ()

I'm afraid that if this (national protectionism) takes root it's going to result in tit-for-tat retaliation." ()

In a number of member states, particularly some older ones, there is a fear that economic reform will undermine social protection, ... Such fear is not only misplaced but counterproductive." ()

Ireland does not believe that there are reasonable grounds for such a recommendation," ()

You could make the case that this is part of a big battle, which is going to get worse." ()

The danger is, if we're not very frank and strong about this, there will be tit-for-tat arrangements. You get into a situation where it becomes an epidemic." ()

The concerns expressed in the draft recommendation are based on the wrong premise. The Commission's assessment and the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines advises Ireland to seek to achieve economic stability. This is exactly what the Irish government has sought to do in the budget in a number of ways," ()