U2 singer Bono tells EU to 'buy Spanish'
Irish rock star Bono delivered a poignant speech at the European People's Party congress in Dublin, in which he spoke of the need for a "Europe-wide campaign to spotlight Spain".
U2's frontman was met by a deafening applause after his 20-minute speech on Friday, having addressed issues such as Ireland’s bailout, the troika and Europe’s immigration issue.
His discourse also focused on Spain's financial blues, with the pop star asking EU figureheads like Angela Merkel, José Manuel Durão Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy to think of Spain as a family member in need.
"You've got (Spanish) Prime Minister (Mariano) Rajoy just this week urging the EU to make structural reforms that will create liquidity in the Spanish economy," Bono said.
"Maybe you will. But beyond that, where is the family's response?
"Where is our Europe-wide campaign to spotlight Spain, to encourage others to take their holidays there, to buy Spanish goods, listen to Spanish music?"
The singer-songwriter, who's also widely recognized for his philanthropic work, rounded off his views on Spain with a joke:
"Perhaps U2 should make a flamenco album?
"Well, maybe not," he added as the crowd laughed.
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U2's frontman was met by a deafening applause after his 20-minute speech on Friday, having addressed issues such as Ireland’s bailout, the troika and Europe’s immigration issue.
His discourse also focused on Spain's financial blues, with the pop star asking EU figureheads like Angela Merkel, José Manuel Durão Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy to think of Spain as a family member in need.
"You've got (Spanish) Prime Minister (Mariano) Rajoy just this week urging the EU to make structural reforms that will create liquidity in the Spanish economy," Bono said.
"Maybe you will. But beyond that, where is the family's response?
"Where is our Europe-wide campaign to spotlight Spain, to encourage others to take their holidays there, to buy Spanish goods, listen to Spanish music?"
The singer-songwriter, who's also widely recognized for his philanthropic work, rounded off his views on Spain with a joke:
"Perhaps U2 should make a flamenco album?
"Well, maybe not," he added as the crowd laughed.
Don't miss stories about Spain, join The Local on Facebook and Twitter.
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