I know that this prize goes to my colleagues of the Executive Board who are present today and to all staff of the European monetary team: the European System of Central Banks. I am moved by the kind words of President Barroso and the faith the Karlspreis foundation have placed in us as true Europeans.
The main objective set out by Russia when it assumed its G20 Presidency for this year was to “stimulate economic growth and create jobs”. As premier forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 indeed plays a central role in supporting policies aimed at strong, sustainable and balanced growth globally.