Poland, France Back Stronger EU, Bilateral Ties

The leaders of Poland and France say they want the new European Union budget to allow for development and further integration despite the need for cuts and austerity measures.

French President Francois Hollande visited Warsaw on Friday and met with his Polish counterpart, Bronislaw Komorowski. They said EU leaders need to make targeted decisions as they discuss the upcoming EU budget, in order to help the 27-nation bloc and its 17-nation eurozone overcome the current debt crisis.

Hollande told reporters that funds for a common EU policy, for agriculture and for cohesion are France's priorities and match up well with Poland's goals.

Aiming to intensify bilateral ties, Hollande came with a large number of company leaders from sectors such as energy and defense.