The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, will attend the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, 14 and 15 December 2006. Heads of state or government of the European Union Member States will focus on enlargement, topical issues in justice and home affairs, discussion on innovations, energy and climate change opened at the informal meeting in Lahti in October of this year, as well as the EU’s external relations.

The conclusions welcoming the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Union will be adopted at the meeting, and in the light of the European Commission enlargement reports the heads of state or government will have a debate on various aspects of the enlargement process, including the endeavours of the Western Balkan countries on their European path.

 

In the context of the discussion on illegal migrations under the area of freedom, security and justice, the European Council is expected to outline the strategic guidelines for the purposes of the development of an integrated external borders management strategy and the reinforcement of the southern maritime border. The situation and further development of the Schengen area enlargement based on the conclusions of the December meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council will be discussed.

 

Emphasis will also be placed on promotion of the European economy’s competitiveness through an innovation policy in the light of attainment of the Lisbon objectives. On this occasion the heads of 25 Member States will exchange views on the possibilities of strengthening the energy policy since this is urgently needed also due to climate change. 

 

Before the European Council meeting, Mr Janša will attend the summit of the European People’s Party. During the visit, Mr Janša will open the new premises of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union in Brussels.

 

 

PROGRAMME

Thursday, 14 December 2006

 

13.00 

Participation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, in the EPP Summit (Summit of the European People’s Party)

Venue: Bouchout Palace, Nieuwelaan 38, Meise

 

16.30 (provisional) 

Press release of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
Venue: in front of the Bouchout Palace
 
17.30 

Arrival of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, at the venue of the European Council, where he will be greeted by the President of the European Council, Mr Matti Vanhanen, and by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Mr Erkki Tuomioja.

Venue: Justus Lipsius building
 
17.45 

Meeting of the European Council members with the President of the European Parliament, Mr Josep Borrell

Venue: Justus Lipsius building
 
18.15 

The first part of the working session of the European Council

Venue: Justus Lipsius building
 
19.45 

Group photo session of the European Council participants

Venue: Justus Lipsius building
 
20.00 

Working dinner of the Heads of State or Government

Venue: Justus Lipsius building
 
22.00 (provisional) 

Press release by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia

Venue: Press Room of the Republic of Slovenia