OIL IMPORTS

The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said today its confidence in the European Central Bank (ECB), in the current context of rise of the euro, saying it is convinced that the issue deserve the attention of the monetary authority.

Na, on the sidelines of a press conference in Brussels on its reaction to appreciation of the euro, which established Monday a new record above 1.52 US dollars, Barroso said: "Express my support to the European Central Bank and my confidence that the ECB will have to look at this carefully. "

The President of the European Commission acknowledged that the European currency reached a level that raises "concerns in some sectors."

The euro surpassed one week to bar symbolic of 1.50 US dollars for the first time since its launch in 1999, and continued upwards to a new historical record to 1.5274 US dollars Monday.

Recuava slightly today, below 1.52 US dollars, following the statements of the President of the ECB, Jean-Claude Trichet, who reiterated the commitment of North Americans with a strong dollar.

"In the present circumstances, considers as very important which was affirmed and reaffirmed by the American authorities, or that a strong dollar is in the interest of the American economy," told reporters before a meeting of finance ministers of the euro zone in Brussels.

Barroso considered however that the strength of the euro was "a sign of confidence in the European economy."

"If the European economy does not produce as good performances, the euro would not be at this level," insisted, recalling that "the euro (strong) helped absorb some negative shocks from outside, mainly oil prices and certain raw materials ".

The euro aligeira mathematically the bill, expressed in dollars, from oil imports.