The European Council focused on the principles for EU enlargement
Government Communications Unit
Press release 467/2006
15 December 2006
The December European Council held an in-depth discussion on the principles for the European Union’s enlargement. The Heads of State or Government confirmed their common view on the enlargement process. Enlargement will continue to be a key priority and the EU will continue to be an open union.
The European Council emphasised that the Union must continue to act efficiently and to develop even if it enlarges. The European Council emphasised that an enlarging Union must continue to act efficiently and to develop. The acceding countries must, for their part, fulfil the agreed conditions and obligations before accession. The acceding countries will be assessed on the basis of each country’s individual merits. Simultaneous enlargement and deepening of the Union is possible.
To develop the enlargement process, the Heads of State or Government asked the European Commission to assess how possible EU membership of the acceding countries would affect the Union’s functioning. The report should take account of any political, economic and institutional effects. The Heads of State or Government stated that information on the enlargement process must be disseminated efficiently and openly to Union citizens.
The Council confirmed that the Union will keep to the commitments it made to the acceding countries. The European Council also reaffirmed the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans.
The Heads of State or Government welcomed Romania and Bulgaria to the EU as new members with effect from 1 January 2007. Their accession will conclude the Union’s fifth round of enlargement.
Another central theme at the European Council was more effective decision-making in the field of justice and home affairs. The June European Council called upon the Finnish Presidency to explore the possibilities for improving decision-making and action in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice. The Union needs to intensify its action especially on issues relating to the safety of citizens, such as terrorism and combating cross-border crime.
The European Council decided to reform decision-making processes in justice and home affairs as part of the next round of Treaty reform. Solutions to this end should be found on the basis of the same elements as presented in the Constitutional Treaty which means, for example, increased use of qualified-majority decision-making.. The Heads of State or Government also emphasised that practical-level cooperation between competent authorities of the Member States must be intensified.
The European Council decided on the principles for a comprehensive European migration policy and agreed on concrete action for 2007. Cooperation with third countries will be enhanced, additional resources will be allocated to the management of the external borders and the Union’s ability to manage sudden flows of migration will be strengthened. The meeting also agreed on ways to promote legal migration and integration.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen provided the Member States with his assessment of the consultations that the Finnish Presidency has held with Member States during the autumn regarding the Constitutional Treaty. The incoming German Presidency is to prepare a report on the future of the Constitutional Treaty in spring 2007. Work on developing the Union will also continue on the basis of existing Treaties.
On the basis of the discussions held at the informal meeting of Heads of State or Government in Lahti in October, the European Council reiterated that work on innovation, energy policy and climate change will continue in spring 2007.
The meeting also issued declarations on the Middle East peace process, Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan and Africa.
Further information: Jari Luoto, State Secretary for EU Affairs, Government Secretariat for EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2180