Brussels, 22/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - At the close of his visit to the European Commission on 21 May, the Finnish Prime Minister, Paavo Lipponen, said when answering press questions that he supported the "general thrust" of the European Commission's paper to the European Convention. He went on to say that a more effective foreign and security policy is needed, as well as a real immigration and asylum policy (he hoped the Seville Summit would make progress in this respect) and strengthened coordination of economic policies. This is a big day for the Commission", he said, noting that the Union, which combines "federalist elements" and intergovernmental elements, must develop while maintaining equality between Member States. The Union that we envisage is "far from being a super State", it wants to be a Union able to protect the long-term interests of all, in which the small States are "equals", said Romano Prodi. Without wishing to enter into details on the Commission's communication, he felt the form that the Union's external representation is to take should "truly represent the general interest". Mr Lipponen, on the other hand, spoke of the different ideas on "how to combine the role of High Representative for CFSP and that of Commissioner for External Relations". He stressed: "the main thing is that the Commission plays its full role in external relations; today the situation is not quite satisfactory".
Regarding the possibility of designating a former Head of State and Government in the future to preside over the European Council for two and a half to five years, for example (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.6, concerning the speech by José Maria Aznar), Mr Lipponen admitted that it will be necessary to review the half-year rotating Presidency system. However, he said, this is a matter that must be examined by the Convention, then the IGC, whereas reform of the Council discussed so far covers "matters that we can change without changing the treaty". Mr Lipponen said very careful thought is needed on the idea of a European Council President with a longer term of office and, if this means to "demote the Commission and its president, it would be very hard to swallow".
Furthermore, Mr Lipponen welcomed the Commission for its "pro-active approach to Member States". Some countries have specific difficulties, for example, in industrial matters, and the meeting of Chancellor Schröder with the members of the Commission was very important and provided "better prospects" for settling this kind of problem, said the Finnish Prime Minister. Mr Lipponen said that, in his meeting with the Commission, he had evoked "ways to face the music" that his country might also have to face. Noting that sustainable development is now integrated in the Barcelona process, he felt it is necessary to take a "broader look" at all the aspects of this process - including the problem of the chemicals industry.
Mr Lipponen also answered questions on:
- the lack of Finnish Directors General at the Commission. He pointed out that Finland must be treated in a "fair manner" in recruitment for posts at the Commission, while President Prodi said there was no harm in "repeating" that: the Commission is "clearly committed to correcting geographical imbalance" in this respect and "Finland is part of this commitment".
- the seat of the European Food Safety Authority. The matter is in the hands of the European Council, recalled Mr Lipponen, who hoped the Spanish Presidency would "take a broader look" and seek to find a solution for Seville. (Paavo Lipponen is to meet José Maria Aznar on 2 and 3 June in Helsinki). He confirmed that they had not given up Helsinki's candidature, and hoped that the large EU countries and the "former members" would respect the principles of balance set out on this subject at the summits of Edinburgh and Gothenburg. "As far as I know, Spain has not given up Barcelona's candidature", he said in response to a question.
- the Palestinians of the Church of the Nativity divided among several European countries. Finland was not able to host the Palestinians as its legislation would not have allowed it to control their movements, said Mr Lipponen, answering a question.