Vanhanen: European Union discovers the Lahti spirit

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen believes that it was crucial for the EU to speak with one voice at the informal summit in Lahti in Finland. Vanhanen referred to the determined will to achieve consensus as the spirit of Lahti. “The debate with Russian president Vladimir Putin over dinner was honest and straightforward,” said Vanhanen at the plenary session of the European Parliament.


Vladimir Putin, Matti Vanhanen and José Manuel Barroso at Press Conference in Lahti. Photo: European Community, 2006

Vanhanen stressed that the EU has to able to speak with one voice in dealing with its partners.

"When we are divided and disagree, we are weak, and we are unable to safeguard our interests and to promote the values on which the Union is founded. In Lahti we succeeded in showing President Putin that the Union is of one mind and is determined,” Vanhanen pointed out.

In Vanhanen's view, this in no way means that Russia agrees with everything the EU says.

"We had an in-depth discussion during which Putin responded in detail to the points that we raised, and he also looked for shortcomings in the EU's actions. We are used to this with Russia, it is part and parcel of normal dialogue.

Climate change also discussed







Vanhanen commented that a positive atmosphere prevailed during the energy debate at the Sibelius Hall in Lahti. He admitted that differences existed between the tones struck by member states, but that the underlying message from the EU remained consistent.

"Specific points that arose in the discussion were the principles guiding the development of EU-Russia energy relations and how to implement them, enhancing relations with strategically important third countries, using energy policy to fight climate change and improving exchange of information with the help of the network of energy correspondents," the Prime Minister said.

Vanhanen confirmed that many heads of state broached the subject of climate change.

"Climate change was referred to in many contributions. The EU must show leadership in the promotion of sustainable energy in particular. As regards innovations and technologies that relate to energy efficiency, European companies have a lot to offer. We shared the view that issues relating to energy and climate should feature prominently at summits between the EU and third countries, as indeed they have during Finland's EU presidency."