General Affairs Council to discuss citizens’ initiative and the European External Action Service

Government Communications Unit
Press release 152/2010
23.4.2010

Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors will attend the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday 26 April. Main themes of the meeting include the citizens’ initiative and the establishment of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb will also participate in the debate on the EEAS.

The first political debate will be held in the Council on the proposal to introduce the citizens’ initiative prepared by the European Commission. As provided by the Lisbon Treaty, EU citizens’ initiative, a new way of exerting influence, will be introduced to enable citizens’ participation in EU decision-making. Through the citizens’ initiative, nationals of different Member States numbering at least one million may invite the European Commission to bring forward legislative proposals, within the framework of the EU’s powers, on matters concerning EU citizens.

Finland welcomes the proposal that supports EU citizens’ possibilities to exert influence, and emphasises that the procedures need to be clear, simple and citizen-friendly.

Another key theme of the General Affairs Council meeting will be preparations to establish the European External Action Service. The Council will aim to reach agreement on the decision to establish the EEAS. Later on, discussions on this issue will continue with the European Parliament. The Council will also work on the provisions that need to be changed because of the inception of the EEAS. Finland’s aim is establish a strong and efficient External Action Service that strengthens the EU’s global role and increases consistency in its external action.

Inquiries: Anna Bruun, Adviser to the Minister of European Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 9 1602 2052 and on the EEAS Tuula Svinhufvud, Director of the Unit for General EU Affairs and Coordination, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 6546