Dear colleagues,

I would like to compliment our colleague and host, Kalevi Hemilä, and his very efficient team, not only for their warm welcome, but also for their enthusiasm in guiding the destinies of the peoples of Europe over this six-month period. I recall the first Portuguese Presidency in 1992. I remember the anxiety and expectations we felt at being scrutinised by our peers. But it is the national contributions that inject colourfulness into the diversity of Europe. From Portugal to Finland, there is a spectrum of traditions, ways of thinking, and views on life. This is also what makes up Europe’s cultural identity.

For the Portuguese side, I want to affirm our firm will to co-operate with the Finnish Presidency, an opportunity which is provided naturally under the Community "troika", an essential condition for ensuring the continuity of the most important dossiers.

Independently of the style of each Presidency, which reflects its political preferences, and of the cycle in the economy and the normal rhythm of the calendar, which affect the results of each Presidency, its autonomy is far more relative and hinges on the role of the Commission as initiator and the Council as a decision-making body.

Therefore it is not surprising that many dossiers pass from one Presidency to another because of the short duration of each Presidency. I share the priorities of the Finnish Presidency, which is an additional reason to co-operate very closely, especially on the most significant dossiers. I would like to highlight the following in particular:

Food quality and safety (human health, animal well-being and health;
The competitiveness of European agriculture and, in this context, the next WTO round of negotiations, and continuity in the negotiations over enlargement;
Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy with a view to promoting sustainable fisheries, both within the EU and in agreements with third countries;
Promotion of sustainable forestry through more and better co-ordination, both at the European and international level.
These are the dossiers that are certain to continue into the Portuguese Presidency.

Evidently there are a number of recurring themes that run across several Presidencies which warrant debate and open discussion at an informal council.

As I have already mentioned, independently of the styles and preferences that are attributable to political geography, it is in our common interest to follow the work of the Finnish Presidency closely. I am certain that your professional enthusiasm and courage will be a source of inspiration to those of us who have been members of the European Union for somewhat longer. After all, the younger members are always reminding us of the need to recognise our responsibility.

I would like to congratulate Finland on it’s assumption of the EU Presidency and to share the emotion of this first experience of European government.

I would like to express my warm thanks for the hospitality that it has been our privilege to share during these days. I am pleased to be able to invite you to Évora, the historical city that has witnessed the passing of several civilisations, and that has been classified as a cultural heritage site. For centuries, the city has been the political and administrative seat of one of the most beautiful agricultural regions of Portugal.

Thank you.