Brussels, 20/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - Speaking on 20 May before the conference of committee chairmen of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the French secretary of state for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, stressed that France will ensure that its forthcoming EU Council presidency, during the second half of 2008, will “serve the European public interest” and that it will work as closely as possible with the EP. He also recalled the future French presidency's objectives in four priority areas: - energy/climate package. The aim is to reach a political agreement in the Council on the whole of the package in 2008 or during the first weeks of 2009, if possible at first reading with the EP. The French presidency will also make proposals on energy supply security concerning not only the EU itself but also its relations with its major partners, and especially Russia; - Migration. Paris hopes a “European pact for immigration and asylum” will be adopted, taking into account the concerns and suggestions of the EP, Mr Jouyet said; - European security and defence. European security strategy must be updated in order to take into account EU enlargement and new threats; - and common agricultural policy. Paris hopes to be able to conclude the CAP health check under its presidency and to launch reflection on the future of this policy. On the subject of the Lisbon Treaty, its entry into force “as of 1 January 2009” must be prepared by all institutions. “The French EU Presidency will ensure that the EP has its rightful place in the consultation process”, Mr Jouyet said. (H.B.)