Barroso gives veiled welcome to Polish election result

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso this afternoon predicted "fruitful cooperation" with the new Polish Government - a dig at the difficulties Brussels has endured under Jaroslaw Kaczynski's Law and Justice Party which was heavily in the election.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso this afternoon predicted "fruitful cooperation" with the new Polish Government - a dig at the difficulties Brussels has endured under Jaroslaw Kaczynski's Law and Justice Party which was defeated in the election.

For the last two years Poland has been seen as the EU's biggest troublemaker, matching and often exceeding the UK's reputation for playing tough in the EU, and even refusing to back a planned "European Day Against the Death Penalty."

Mr Barroso avoided public comment on the outgoing Government, but a statement welcoming political change in Warsaw made clear the scale of the relief that a more pro-EU regime is now taking power:

"I pay tribute to the democratic process in Poland" said Mr Barroso.

"I congratulate Mr Donald Tusk on his electoral success. I would like to emphasise the importance of Poland's contribution to the European Union and the European spirit of the Polish people.

"I am confident that there will be a fruitful cooperation with the next Polish government."

The leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, also welcomed the election result: "The Polish people are to be congratulated on their choice of government. They have sent a clear message that Poland's future lies in working closely with their European friends rather than adopting anti-European positions at virtually every opportunity.

"A very welcome feature was the defeat of extreme right-wing forces.

"Poland can now take up its proper position within the EU where it will find goodwill on all sides."

Mr Schulz added: "A prosperous, outward-looking Poland is good for all Europe. We in the European Parliament look forward to reinforcing our relations with the Polish people and the incoming Polish government."