LOS CABOS

There are interesting statements to follow, as the G20 meeting concludes in Mexico.

It might be worth to reflect on the answer given by President Barroso to questions of a Canadian reporter: "Frankly, we (Europeans) are not coming here to receive lessons in terms of democracy or in terms of how to handle the economy… Seeing as you mention North America, this crisis originated in North America and much of our financial sector was contaminated by, how can I put it, unorthodox practices, from some sectors of the financial market." 

I also listen to Prime Minister Stoltenberg stressing that the crisis took a long time to develop and it will also take time to get out of it. It might affect everybody, even Norway, which has a robust and prosperous economy. 

Then I get the release from Brussels quoting Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso, as they resume the main message taken from Los Cabos:  "Our partners have recognised that a strong, deeply integrated European Union is decisive for systemic global stability. We must fully acknowledge how interdependent we are in today's global economy. There is no other alternative for the world's leading economies than to work closely together, increasing joint understanding and global economic governance."

I know nothing is simple about this crisis. Nevertheless, acknowledging interdependence and the need for a sustained global effort are important notions.