Today, the Prime Minister Janez Janša attended an informal meeting of presidents and prime ministers of EU member states in Lahti, Finland. The meeting, organised by the Finnish presidency, was focused on innovations and energy.

Prime Janez Janša with Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen (PHOTO: BOBO)
 
Discussion on EU energy policy was part of the efforts to encourage the Union to speak with one voice on energy issues. Commitment to common objectives would boost the EU's ability to respond to changes on global energy markets. The leaders were focused on energy relations between the EU and Russia, and on tightening relations with the neighbouring regions. In order to react more efficiently to energy crises, the meeting did also consider ways of improving the sharing and processing of information, which provide the basis for taking joint decisions on the EU level.

 

Among the issues discussed was also development of the EU's innovation policy, which is aimed at creating an operating environment that promotes creation of innovations and their efficient implementation. With regard to this, sufficient funding, protection of intellectual property, development of efficient standardisation procedures, and promotion of cooperation between universities and businesses are of key importance.

 

The Heads of State or Government did also touch the EU's immigration policy, as illegal immigration affects the entire Union, which must be able to formulate a comprehensive and effective policy on both illegal and legal immigration. The Union's immigration policy will be discussed in greater detail at the December European Council in Brussels. In addition, the situation on Darfur also was discussed.

 

After their informal meeting, the EU leaders were joined for dinner by the President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. Discussion during the dinner did focus on the development of the strategic partnership between the EU and Russia, including cooperation in energy issues.