But things have actually changed for the better of late: the economic recovery is gaining momentum and has spread to all EUcountries. Today, I will paint a positive picture of the current development and will also talk about the positive outlook. Yet in my remarks I will also focus on the two big challenges the EU faces, namely Brexit and euro area reform.
My main point is that we now have a vibrant economic situation that gives us an opportunity not only to manage but to master these challenges such that the recovery becomes a sustainable story. 2.