European Council meeting in Brussels on 16 and 17 June

Government Information Unit

Press release 179/2005
8 June 2005




On Wednesday, 8 June 2005, the Government announced Finland's representation at the Brussels European Council that will take place on 16 and 17 June 2005. 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 European Council when the meeting is dealing with matters within her purview.

The main theme of the June European Council is the aim of reaching a political agreement with regard to the EU's Financial Perspectives 2007-2013. In addition, the meeting will discuss the state of ratifications of the draft Constitutional Treaty. The agenda of the meeting also includes the integrated guidelines of the Lisbon Strategy, Sustainable Development, the action plan related to the Hague Programme, fight against terrorism, enlargement and key issues related to external relations.

The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council is responsible for the general preparations of the European Council and the conclusions to be adopted by the meeting.

Further information: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2182 and Laura Aho, Adviser, EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2150, Government Secretariat for EU Affairs