Prime Minister Janez Janša at the meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the European People's Party in Brussels (Photo: BOBO)

 

Prior to today's meeting of the European Council, some Heads of State and Government met at the European People's Party summit where they analysed post-election impressions of the Parties from countries where elections were held recently. According to the President of the Government Janez Janša most of the discussion focused on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and on the issue what needs to be done in the period when most countries ratified it, two countries said no and others are still hesitant. Prime Minister underlined that those countries, which would still be in position to ratify the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and even have sufficient political or public support, pointed out the delicate situation in which they found themselves. The Governments of these countries face the problem how to get voters to say "yes" to the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and thus ratify it, while it is not possible to predict when the Constitution is to enter into force. "We have a contradictory situation, typical for associations like the European Union. In future, the Institutions need to have mechanisms built in for resolving such situations", said the Prime Minister and added that the key issue was whether to insist on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and its ratification while at the same time period to find solutions had to be extended. According to the Prime Minister, this period will probably be extended to the end of 2008, and much is expected from German presidency. 

 

Prime Minister Janez Janša talking to Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssl, holding the EU presidency, and to Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik (Photo: BOBO)

 

At this European Council, the Heads of State and Government will focus their attention on greater transparency of the European Union functioning, as well as on developments in the field of the Hague programme, particularly in respect of justice, illegal migrations and public safety. Appropriate attention will be given to the implementation of the Schengen acquis as well, and to the technical readiness for the enlargement of the Schengen area. Summit participants will also discuss European energy policy, more efficient joint external actions and the promotion of activities in the field of research and development.

 

Prime Minister Janez Janša and Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel talking to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to the left is French President Jacques Chirac (Photo: BOBO)

 

The European Union aims to improve the functioning of the European Institutions and to establish more efficient foreign policy. Heads of State and Government will also address next steps to be taken in respect of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and examine the situation regarding the process of enlargement (Bulgaria, Rumania, Croatia, Turkey). The adoption of a special declaration on the Western Balkans is expected. Within discussions on external relations, the adoption of a resolution on Iran, Iraq, peace process in the Middle East, Africa and Lebanon is envisaged.