At today's press conference, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates presented the 18-month EU presidency programme of the presiding 'Trio' – Germany, Portugal and Slovenia.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO)

The Prime Minister Janez Janša expressed his satisfaction that Germany's EU presidency is establishing a precedent by introducing an 18-month presidency programme. "This new approach will undoubtedly contribute to greater efficiency and continuity," said the PM, adding that the programme was ambitious, as it provides answers to the challenges which the EU will face in the next year and a half.

Despite the fact that tasks are now shared with the two other members of the 'Trio', the PM believes that some important issues will be dealt with when Slovenia is at the helm of the EU. "Slovenia is committed to this challenge. At the beginning of this year we successfully adopted the common European currency. We believe we will be just as well prepared for the presidency.”

Mr Janša also mentioned that enlargement of the Schengen area will be completed prior to the beginning of Slovenia's presidency, which will significantly contribute to the implementation of one of the four basic freedoms of the EU: free movement within the Union.

"I am convinced that this measure will improve the safety of EU citizens," he said. According to the PM, the negotiated compromise on the Schengen area is a positive asset, as it will facilitate EU enlargement without long delays; however, developing and implementing the Schengen Information System II remains one of the EU's priorities.

The PM also stressed the revision of the Lisbon Strategy, scheduled for the first half of 2008. He expressed hope that the European Commission's strategic report on the implementation of the Strategy, and the report on the implementation of the national reform programmes of member states would be published in time, as this would facilitate their timely discussion at the European Council. According to Mr Janša, the EU has been making progress in meeting the goals of the Lisbon Strategy; however, it has not been doing this steadily, which calls for additional efforts.

Mr Janša specifically emphasised the significance of the fact that the programme contains a strong commitment to the further enlargement of the EU. This process will continue in accordance with the strategy agreed at the European Council in December. "At the Council, firm commitments were expressed that promises given would be fulfilled. Of course, the EU will insist on potential new members meeting all the accession criteria." According to the PM, the enlargement process, which ended on 1 January with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, has been a success. "It has already yielded positive results, increasing economic growth and employment within the EU. Through future processes of integration, these beneficial effects will be seen even more favourably."

Stability in the Western Balkans will be another priority during the Slovenian-German-Portuguese presidency. Slovenia is offering its experience in finding solutions that can contribute to greater stability in the region without the danger of creating an imbalance by stabilising one part of the region and destabilising another. "It is necessary that the EU approach this issue in a more active manner, although it has invested much effort in various other areas," Mr Janša said in conclusion.