Finnish and French Foreign Ministers discuss French EU presidency

Mr Hubert Védrine, Foreign Minister of France and Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja discussed the programme of the French EU Presidency on Wednesday, July 5, at a video conference. France has arranged similar video conferences with all EU partners at the start of its Presidency.

The main topic of the discussions was the intergovernmental conference, due to be completed at the EU Summit in Nice in December. The ministers also dealt with EU enlargement, the EU charter on fundamental rights, currently under preparation, and the development of security and defence policy, as well as the external relations of the Union. France wishes to focus special attention on the West Balkans, the Mediterranean region and Russia.

Foreign Minister Védrine also raised topics related to economy and employment, as well as the development of the information society. Foreign Minister Tuomioja highlighted Finland´s initiative on locating the new EU Food Authority in Helsinki, expressing his hope that the decision on the location would be made during the French Presidency.

The ministers also discussed the hostage situation in the Philippines.





EU
human rights