Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero addresses the media during a news conference at Madrid's Moncloa Palace December 30, 2009. Spain takes over the presidency of the European Union for six months from Jan. 1, with ambitious aims of securing the bloc's economic recovery even as it tackles severe challenges to its economy at home. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    MADRID, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Spain is aimed to bring Europe out of the economic crisis during its EU presidency, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said in his New Year message on Friday.

    Zapatero said his country welcomes its EU rotating presidency with enthusiasm, and its goal for the first half of 2010 is to bring Europe out of the economic crisis and to make people feel more identified as Europeans.

    Europe still faces great challenges to make its economy "more productive, more innovative and more sustainable," he said.

    Spain plans to increase Europe's international influence, and will defend and spread cooperation, peace and dialogue among the people and nations.

    The Lisbon Treaty, which came into effect on Dec. 1 2009, will allow Europe to become more efficient and dynamic. It will also help further unite the European citizens and gain more support from them, he noted.

Blue lights illuminate Madrid's landmark Puerta de Alcala to mark the beginning of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union on New Year's Day January 1, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>