EU relations with the United States on the agenda when the General Affairs and External Relations Council meets in Luxembourg
Kanerva explained that the aim is progress in matters on the economic agenda; climate and energy policy as well as sustainable development will also be discussed. In addition, foreign and security policy issues will also be addressed.
Kanerva stated Finland’s hope for more body in cooperation between the EU and the United States, as well as for more concrete substance in dialogue and commitment to the process on both sides. As an example the Foreign Minister mentioned cooperation in crisis management. Finland hopes that the United States would also be committed to European operations, including EU-led operations.
Smooth interactive relationship with the United States
Kanerva said that he would participate in the meeting of NATO foreign ministers next week. In this connection, discussions will probably take place with the Americans as well. “Finland must have a smooth interactive relationship with the United States,” he stated.
The cornerstones of Finland’s foreign policy remain unchanged, Kanerva stressed. Our foreign policy must serve Finland’s own interests as well as mutual interests. If something is done that Finland cannot approve, Finland makes her own opinion known. “Finnish foreign policy is no general store,” Kanerva emphasized in answering questions about Finnish–American relations during the press conference.
With regard to the war in Iraq, Finland – as the rest of the world community – hopes that a credible and workable solution for peace can be achieved. It’s good for Finland, too, to analyse the American interests, motives and purposes. EU crisis management is an area where the United States should see the European perspective, the Foreign Minister stated.
The Constitutional Treaty will be discussed in June
Kanerva stated that the Constitutional Treaty will be discussed in June in the Council of the European Union, the intention being then to decide on delegating a new Intergovernmental Conference to discuss the Treaty. Finland, too, must appoint its own delegation to the Intergovernmental Conference, the Foreign Minister added. “Finland’s goal is a short and effective Intergovernmental Conference,” Kanerva stated.
For Germany, the current EU Presidency, the issue is a major challenge. Finland strives to support the objectives of the EU Presidency in order to further the Treaty, because prolonging the timetables is to no one’s advantage. The issue is an important one for Finland, Kanerva commented.
As to the extent of the Treaty, reducing the text of the Treaty wouldn’t necessarily guarantee faster progress. A mini-treaty would be fateful if in the end almost nothing were agreed, the Foreign Minister pointed out. Kanerva doesn’t believe that France would be an obstacle to progress. Particularly in France, handling of the matter by means of a mini-treaty has been suggested in connection with the presidential elections.
The EU a central channel of influence for Finland
When asked whether he is more pro-Europe than his predecessor, Foreign Minister Kanerva replied that the content of the Government’s Programme indicates what he himself thinks. “I won't challenge someone who says I’m pro-Europe,” he added. The EU is a central channel of influence for Finland, and the European Union is Finland’s ideological and practical channel of influence, the Foreign Minister continued.
When questioned about cooperation between the Government and the President of the Republic, Kanerva answered that the Government works in a good cooperative and interactive spirit with the President. “I’m in favour of an enhanced spirit of cooperation as concerns the President,” Kanerva stressed.
Relations with Sweden important for Finland
Kanerva said that he would be travelling still on Friday to meet with his Swedish colleague and long-time acquaintance, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. In foreign policy, it’s important that Finland and Sweden are side by side. During the trip a few bilateral issues will be discussed, and on the whole the two countries will update their stands on other topical issues.
As concerns Nordic cooperation, the new foreign minister believes that all political parties in Finland consider Nordic cooperation to be important.