Brussels, 28/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - The three Member States which will hold the next three six-month presidencies of the EU from 1 July - France, the Czech Republic and Sweden - adopted a 75-page memorandum of understanding on 27 May in Prague on their priorities at the head of the Union. The details of the joint programme will only be available after their presentation to the General Affairs/External Relations Council on 16 June, a spokesperson for the French Permanent Representation to the EU explained. A press release published following the meeting in Prague explains that climate, the practical implementation of the institutional provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, strengthening Europe's competitiveness and the EU immigration policy will figure among the major challenges for the next eighteen months. “After nine months of work, we now have a bouncing, beautiful baby (...) The priorities are climate change and energy security, the implementation of the new treaty and the development of European foreign and defence policy “, the French Secretary of State for European Affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet told the press. Finding a “balance” with the Union for the Mediterranean and strengthening the eastern dimension of the European neighbourhood policy (EUROPE 9668) will also be a major concern for the next EU presidential “trio”, the Czech vice Prime Minister responsible for European Affairs Alexandr Vondra said. (H.B.)