European Union countries cannot slow down their reform efforts and Britain must aspire to remain within the bloc, the EU's top economy official warned Friday, amid growing sentiment that Europe may have turned the corner on its economic crisis.
"Even if there is less reason for pessimism at the start of 2013, we cannot afford to lower our guard," EU Economy Commissioner Olli Rehn said at a briefing hosted by the European Policy Centre think-tank in Brussels.
He acknowledged that keeping up the pace on austerity, economic reforms and the deepening of eurozone integration would prove "tough," pointing to "social tensions" and the time needed for the efforts to show results. They nevertheless are essential, he said.
"Our patient may be out of intensive care, but it will still take some time before she can be given a clean bill of health. That's why any lapse into complacency would be unforgivable," Rehn added. "We need to stay the reform course to revitalize the European economy."
Britain's future in the EU is expected to be one of the biggest challenges this year, with British Prime Minister David Cameron under relentless pressure to distance his country from the bloc.
"If I were ... a UK citizen, I would certainly rather prefer to be in the midfield as a playmaker than in the sidelines as a substitute in this game," Rehn, a former Finnish football player, said to applause. "You never score goals from the bench."
He also echoed calls from other policymakers for countries who have fared better during the eurozone crisis - notably Germany - to now shoulder more of the burden.
"Over time, surplus countries are also expected to contribute to rebalancing," he said, noting that Berlin should work on "opening up the services market"and "encouraging wages to rise in line with productivity."
Rehn said he also hopes to see more competitiveness and a stronger industrial base in countries such as France; a free trade agreement with the United States; more access to lending for businesses and households; and a stepped-up fight against unemployment.
As far as the countries that have been causing headaches for Europe, the commissioner urged bailout candidate Cyprus to fully implement recently enacted laws on money laundering - an issue that has emerged as a key sticking point for paymaster Germany.
Rehn also said he does not expect Slovenia to be next to apply for a rescue package, despite the "political turmoil" in the country.