Barroso: 2014 will be positive for European economy

 The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, Tuesday expressed his conviction that the European economy in 2014 will be in a better situation than before."2014, I am sure, will be a year of positive change for the European economy. Let's work together for that to happen sooner rather than later," he said in a speech in the European Parliament to review the Lithuanian EU Presidency that ended on 31 December."With the conclusion of the Lithuanian Presidency, the European Union ended the year 2013 on a high note," he stressed."With the accession of Latvia, the Eurozone is expanding - another unambiguous sign of renewed confidence in the euro. It is hugely important to note that at the start of this new year - a crucial year for Europe - we are in a far better place than we were at any time since the start of the financial crisis," said the head of the EU executive body.He stated that for the months ahead the top priority should remain the banking union for a genuine and deep Economic and Monetary Union .Greece took over the six-month rotating EU Presidency from Lithuania on 1 January.