Kanerva opened the new website of Europe Information
Kanerva said that by reforming the basic treaty, the Union is seeking solutions for the challenges brought on by the regional enlargement of the EU and the deeper-reaching nature of its activities. It remains to be seen how the Community will be able to respond to the goals set and what is the form the EU is going to settle into as a result of the process. As far as Finland is concerned, the new agreement will be presented to parliament for ratification during the spring term and, according to Kanerva, at least so far, no internal political tensions related to the agreement have emerged. In Kanerva's opinion, approving the agreement under national consensus would give a great starting point for the Finnish EU policy with a view to the future.
The mandate of the group of wise men should strengthen the external vitality of the EU
In other words, we should be careful that the mandate under which the wise men start to ponder the EU affairs is such that it would strengthen the external vitality and competitiveness of the EU, and that would provide for the EU becoming a stronger leader in international policy than it is today. According to Kanerva, when the foreign political situation is very prone to change especially in external relations, there is more need for a common strategic approach by the European Union. For instance, in the issue of climate change, Europe has to be able to act as an example for the rest of the world.
Strategic partnership agreement with Russia as a goal
As far as the external relations of the EU are concerned, as the most important question Kanerva considers the need to achieve a strategic partnership agreement with Russia. According to Kanerva, Russia needs Western Europe and Western Europe needs Russia – however, no breakthroughs in the agreement issue are to be expected in the near future.
The goal is to raise the profile of Finland in the European Union external relations issues in the future. Particularly, when it comes to the EU relations with Russia, Kanerva feels that Finland should be able to increase its contribution. According to him, it is an immense and difficult issue, but it must be raised.
According to Kanerva, Finland must be more active towards Russia also as far as direct relations between the governments are concerned. Accordingly, he is looking forward to his next meeting with the Foreign Minister of Russia in very positive spirits. Kanerva is scheduled to meet Lavrov at Rovaniemi in November.
Finland investing in Europe Information
Kanerva praised that the reforms made in the Europe Information are just in the right direction and implemented at exactly the right time. Kanerva regards the customer service Europe Information is offering in different parts of Finland as a strong investment from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In addition to the citizens, the aim is to serve also the media as well as possible.
A positive community spirit and interaction are good starting points for an attitude towards the European Union, Kanerva pointed out.