Finnish President Tarja Halonen (Left) & European Commission
President José Manuel Barroso

No. 54/06
July 3, 2006

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on Finland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union

On July 1, Finland assumed the rotating six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During its Presidency, Finland will focus on four priority areas: the future of the EU, competitiveness, external relations and justice and home affairs. The future of the EU includes the Constitutional Treaty and EU enlargement.

Members of the European Commission met today with the Finnish Government to discuss the agenda for Finland's EU Presidency.

During a press conference in Helsinki, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso made the following statement:

"The preparation of this Presidency has been impressive. The cooperation between the Presidency and the [European] Commission is excellent at all levels. We have been off to a very good start.

"We have common goals for the six months to come, and a common agenda. We want to move Europe forward. The next six months give us the opportunity to show that when we talk about a “Europe of results,” we are serious.

"Let me start with a word about the decision of the Presidency to focus on innovation at the Informal European Council in Lahti. Finland has an excellent record when it comes to innovation. The challenge is to build a true European innovation policy. We have agreed that the Commission will make a specific contribution to this debate. We aim to pick out key issues on which Europe can make a difference, such as removing obstacles in the protection of intellectual property or in access to venture capital. The European Technology Institute is another dimension of European value added. We need tangible progress in the next six months.

"Then there is the EU action on freedom, security and justice policies. Seven years ago the Tampere European Council proved a turning point in this respect. It is a good omen that we return to Tampere on 20 September seeking renewed impetus. Last week, the Commission set out an ambitious set of proposals. The key is more efficient and more democratic decision-making. We will spare no effort to make real progress in normalizing procedures for these policies by December. The first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on London is this week. It reminds us that it is about time we get serious about a common and coherent approach in this area.

"I strongly support the emphasis placed by the Presidency on the relationship with Russia. Let me inform you that the Commission has just adopted a recommendation for a new agreement between EU and Russia set to replace the existing partnership and cooperation agreement. We propose a comprehensive agreement that will bring a new quality to our relationship. In particular, we propose to move towards a free trade area to be completed once Russia accedes to the WTO. And we propose a partnership approach for energy, based on mutual interests and agreed principles. I welcome the decision to invite President Putin to Lahti. This will also allow us to discuss the follow-up of the G8 meeting in St. Petersburg later this month.

"The enlargement debate will of course be at the heart of the Finnish Presidency. We will work with Bulgaria and Romania and hope that both countries make the progress required to achieve accession by 1 January of next year. More generally, whilst making it clear that our commitments are being and will be honored, we must also show that the EU does not simply enlarge by default. It is a conscious choice. We enlarge because enlargement is good for the accession countries, and for the EU as a whole. And we enlarge in a way that fully preserves the Union’s ability to function. As you know, the Commission will make its report on enlargement including absorption capacity in the autumn. I look forward to the debate on all aspects of further enlargements under this Presidency.

"Next year, we will mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. We have agreed to adopt on 25 March a forward-looking political declaration by the EU’s leaders, i.e. the heads of state and government, the European Parliament and the European Commission. The Finnish Presidency will play an important role in the preparation of this declaration which need not be long, but which must be substantial – and written in clear language. I understand that this is the way Finns prefer to communicate: not many words, but substantial words, and clear words. So let’s go to work.

"Finally, I would say a word on trade. The Commission regrets that no breakthrough was possible in Geneva this weekend. We all need this Round to succeed. And to get that, there must be agreement on the main numbers in a matter of weeks, not months. That means agreement on real cuts in agricultural and industrial tariffs, and effective cuts in trade-distorting agricultural subsidies. That is what Europe is offering on all three. That is what is needed to ensure the Doha round delivers new trade in agriculture, goods and services.

"Europe will continue to be constructive, in the consultations which Pascal Lamy is undertaking. Everyone needs to do the same – be constructive, work for real cuts and for a round which truly supports development. That’s true for the US on their trade-distorting agricultural subsidies. And for the emerging economies such as Brazil and India on their tariffs on industrial goods and restrictions on services.

"To make multilateralism work, everyone must play their part. Europe has given more than anyone else to this Round – we must see others contribute as well.

"Let me sum up: this Presidency will move the EU from reflection to engagement. It can achieve a great deal and the Commission offers its full support to its endeavors. I am told that last year, Finns sent a record 2.4 billion text messages. I guess that with the intensive communication now going on between Helsinki and Brussels, they are set for a new record this year. But thankfully we still have not found a way to replace this kick-off meeting between the Presidency and the Commission with text messages. I am grateful for the hospitality that President Halonen and Prime Minister Vanhanen have shown to us over these two days. It is a real privilege to be in this beautiful city in this beautiful summer."

For further information, please visit: http://www.eu2006.fi/en_GB/ .

Further Contact Information
Press and Public Diplomacy
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766