Finland has met its main Presidency objectives
To coincide with the European Council on 15 December, Finland published a summary of the results of the country's EU Presidency that will conclude at the end of the year.
The primary focus of the Finnish EU Presidency was on enlargement, energy policy, the strengthening of competition, combating climate change, the Middle East and cooperation between the EU and Russia. Finland is satisfied with the results achieved.
Prime Minister Vanhanen held a speech on the results of Finland's EU Presidency at the European Parliament on 18 December. In it, the Prime Minister spoke of the Middle East crisis that had arisen right at the start of the Presidency. " I am proud to say that the EU took a strong and united position on the Lebanese crisis", he told the European Parliament. He also said that enlargement would continue and those applicants that meet the conditions set by the Union would be able to join.
Prime Minister Vanhanen concluded by stressing that Europe's future lay in unity. He spoke of his belief in a "united Europe where border fences are an increasingly rare sight."
Finland’s Presidency of the EU – results(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)