European Council in Brussels on 16 and 17 December

Government Information Unit
Press Release 396/2004

9 December, 2004




On Thursday, 9 December 2004, the Government announced Finland's representation at the Brussels European Council that will take place on 16 and 17 December 2004. Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, accompanied by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, will attend the European Council. The President of the Republic, Tarja Halonen, will attend the European Council when the meeting is dealing with matters within her purview.

The main themes of the European Council will include enlargement, fight against terrorism, Financial Framework for the period of 2007-2013, the new EU Drugs Strategy 2005-2012 in the field of Justice and Home Affairs and external affairs. The Heads of State or Government will discuss enlargement over dinner on 16 December. The discussion will focus on the progress made by Bulgaria and Romania in their membership negotiations and the Heads of State or Government will also try to reach agreement on the date of commencing membership negotiations with Croatia and make a decision to begin membership negotiations with Turkey.

The European Council will also discuss key external relations issues, such as Ukraine, the Middle East Peace Process and European Security and Defence Policy.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council is responsible for the preparation of the European Council agenda and it will adopt the final list in its meeting on 13 December.

Further information: Antti Peltomäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2180 and Laura Aho, Senior Officer, tel. +358 9 1602 2150, Government Secretariat for EU Affairs