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The internal strength and efficiency of the Union is the principal objective of the Finnish EU policy, says Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb. In his presentation at a recent seminar in Helsinki he presented his ten theses to enable the implementation of this objective.

Over the years Martti Ahtisaari has brought peace to conflicts in Africa, Asia and Europe. Now, the former Finnish president's virtue and toil are to be rewarded with the world's most celebrated prize. In early October he was also awarded the UNESCO Peace Prize.

The European Union has decided to implement its civilian crisis mission and to deploy about 200 observers in Georgia. The Foreign Ministers of the Member States confirmed launching of the mission at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council held in Brussels on Monday, 15 September. Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen represented Finland at the meeting.

The European Council, which convened in Brussels on 19 and 20 June, considered the situation after the outcome of the referendum in Ireland. In the referendum held on 12 June, Irish people rejected the Treaty of Lisbon which reforms the European Union’s structures. The EU leaders agreed that more time was needed to analyse the situation and that the European Council will come back to this issue at its meeting of 15 October 2008. The ratification process continues in other countries.

The 2008 Millennium Technology Prize was presented to Professor Robert Langer today in Helsinki for developing innovative biomaterials for controlled drug release. The world’s largest technology prize is awarded by Technology Academy Finland for a technological innovation that significantly improves quality of human life and promotes sustainable development.

Upon presentation by the Government, the President of the Republic of Finland has decided today, 7 March, to recognise the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign State, and has decided on Finland’s readiness to enter into diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kosovo. Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva has today informed Fatmir Sejdiu, President of Kosovo, and Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister of Kosovo, of the decision in writing.

European Union foreign ministers reached an agreement concerning the EU stand on the independence declaration of Kosovo. Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva considers the result very important with regard to the development of the region and the unity of the EU.

The European Council that met in Brussels on 14 December decided to establish an independent Reflection Group to consider the future of the European Union. The Group will be chaired by former Prime Minister of Spain, Felipe Gonzalez. Deputy chairpersons will be Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Shell and Nokia, Jorma Ollila, and former President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Other members will be decided later.

The member states of the European Union have reached agreement on the further funding and administration of the Galileo satellite navigation system. They decided to finance the requisite 2.4 billion euro out of the European Union budget, with unspent agricultural subsidies accounting for some 1.6 billion euro of that amount.

Prior to its entry into force, the EU reform agreement has to be ratified in all member states. In Finland’s case, the agreement will have to be confirmed twice. The approval both of the Finnish Parliament and the Provincial Assembly of the Åland Islands has to be obtained for the agreement.