Brussels, 13/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - Thanks to Monday's General Affairs Council agreement on Turkey (see EUROPE 9325 and 9326), the European Council of 14-15 December will be entirely devoted to the four major topics originally on the Finnish Presidency's agenda: enlargement strategy, the creation of a freedom, security and justice area, immigration and the Constitution.
The Summit will begin in Thursday at 5.45 pm with the customary exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell (for whom this will be the last Council as EP President). The first working session will be devoted to the area of freedom, security and justice (see related article, p16). “The aim of the discussion at the European Council will be to confirm our commitment to strengthening decision-making in the field of justice and home affairs,” writes Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen in his letter inviting his colleagues. During this first working session, leaders will also discuss immigration. “I hope that the debate will confirm our commitment to enhancing the global approach to migration and agreeing on the follow-up measures for 2007, outlined already in the draft conclusions,” writes Mr Vanhanen.
Over dinner on Thursday evening, the Twenty Five will discuss the European Constitution and enlargement. On the Constitution, Mr Vanhanen will present an analysis of the findings of consultations carried out over the past months with the governments of the different Member States. “I do not expect us to have a substantial discussion on this matter,” he says, however, in his letter of invitation. With regard to enlargement, the Presidency's aim is to begin an in-depth discussion on the Commission reports of 8 November, and more particularly on its special report on the EU's integration capacity (published in our EUROPE/Documents series No 2452 of 23 November). “The aim is to confirm a common understanding on the future of the enlargement process.” In line with guidelines given at the Council this week, heads of state and government are expected to approve the broad thrust of the strategy proposed by the Commission (EUROPE 9325). At the same time, in the course of a separate dinner on Thursday evening, foreign ministers will discuss the Middle East, Iran and Africa, in particular Sudan/Darfur. Friday morning's working session will be given over to the adoption of conclusions, followed by press conferences. The Presidency will inform the applicant countries (Croatia, Turkey, FYRMacedonia) of the outcome of the Summit. (hb)