Brussels, 04/04/2006 (Agence Europe) - One of the objectives of the EU Council Presidency during the second half of 2006 is to uphold its reputation of transparency. In a press release diffused on 4 April, the Justice Ministry announces that Finland undertakes to “increase the transparency of the proceedings of the Council, the Union's main decision-making institution. Means of achieving this include promoting access to documents, ensuring efficient communications and enhancing the transparency of decision-making”. The Presidency's website will also be as user-friendly as possible and - as during the last Finnish EU Presidency - will feature Coreper and working party agendas as well as agendas and background papers of the Councils of Ministers. Finland also suggests increasing the number of public debates during Council meetings, with special attention being paid to the quality of such discussions. Transparency will be assessed separately for each Council configuration. Last December, the Council approved conclusions aimed at increasing the transparency of discussion in the different Councils, and on legislative activities in particular (EUROPE 9095). Finland suggests that '”Council sessions on all key issues and matters of interest to citizens be made public”, and also plans to broadcast all public Council sessions and final press conferences on the internet. Helsinki will assess progress made towards public discussions during its presidency. All alternatives aimed at improving the Council's transparency will be considered, and proposals for amendments to the Rules of Procedure may be made if appropriate.