Finland’s representation at the Brussels European Council on 14 and 15 December

Government Communications Unit

Press Release  453/2006
7 December, 2006

On Thursday, 7 December 2006, the Government announced Finland's representation at the Brussels European Council that will take place on 14 and 15 December.  Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, accompanied by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, will attend the European Council meeting.  The President of the Republic, Tarja Halonen, will attend the meeting when it is dealing with matters within her purview.

The main topic at the meeting will be EU enlargement. The Heads of State or Government will base their discussions on the enlargement strategy, approved by the European Commission on 8 November, and the special report annexed to it on the Union’s capacity to integrate new members. The objective will be to consolidate the consensus among the Member States on how to proceed with the enlargement process. 

The Heads of State or Government will also discuss ways of improving EU decision-making and action in the area of freedom, security and justice. The goal will be to enhance the Member States’ commitment to more effective decision-making on justice and home affairs.

The EU’s immigration policy is also on the agenda for the European Council. The aim is to strengthen the global approach to immigration and agree on concrete measures to be taken in 2007.

In addition, the President of the Council will report on the discussions the Presidency held this autumn with the Member States concerning the future of the Constitutional Treaty.

Further information: Jari Luoto, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2180 and Laura Aho, Adviser, EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2150, Government Secretariat for EU Affairs