DUTCH PRESIDENCY EUROPEAN UNION

From 1 July to 31 December 2004 the Netherlands will hold the Presidency of the European Union (EU). It will focus on five subjects: the enlargement of the EU, the long-term strengthening of the European economy, security, sound multiyear budgeting, and a more the effective role for the EU on the world stage. The Netherlands also plans to start a debate with EU citizens and governments on common European values and achieving further European integration and cooperation. As suggested by foreign minister Ben Bot and minister for European Affairs Atzo Nicolaï, the cabinet has agreed to send a letter on the Dutch Presidency to parliament.

The Netherlands holds the presidency in very special circumstances: it will be the first presidency of an enlarged, 25 member Union , elections for a new European parliament will be held in June and a new European Commission will be installed on 1 November. A new European Constitution could also have been agreed. In view of these events and the massive European agenda, more will be required than usual of this presidency in terms of leadership, organisation and vision, according to the cabinet.

Against this background, the cabinet wants to formulate realistic ambitions and to focus on a number of fields. First, the Netherlands will continue to work on European enlargement. This means that the recently enlarged Union must function effectively – new member states have to be completely involved in all EU activities as soon as possible. Negotiations on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania must be continued and the Union has to decide in December whether to open accession negotiations with Turkey .

Long-term strengthening of the European economy is also necessary, according to the cabinet. The Netherlands wants to pay special attention to the implementation of measures and structural reforms that have already been agreed. There is less need for new agreements while the old ones still have to be complied with. A better functioning job market, simplified regulations and reduction of the administrative burden should encourage the business community to make an important contribution to a strong, sustainable, innovative European economy.

The Dutch presidency also aims to make the Union a safer place, free of terrorism and organised crime. The political line for the next few years will be laid out for the further development of a 'space of freedom, security and justice'. In particular, this entails an agenda with concrete steps towards a European policy on asylum, migration and integration, as well as attention for the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Investment in cooperation between the police and the crimal justice authorities will play a key role.

European Union policy must remain affordable for its member states. This will be an important issue for the Dutch presidency in the negotiations on the Union 's next multiyear budget, the financial prospects for the 2007-2013 period. Guidelines and principles for concluding negotiations in 2005 must be established under the Dutch presidency.

In addition to the internal agenda, the Netherlands will also work towards a more decisive involvement of the European Union in world affairs. With enlargement, expectations on the EU's role in the world have grown. This is where the presidency will have to show leadership. The focus will be on implementing a European security strategy, on Asia and on important emerging markets for the business sector. Attention will also be paid to the EU's role in the Middle East and its economic relations with the region will be strengthened. The Dutch presidency wants the EU to play an active role in the debate on the functioning of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and in the current WTO negotiations. Much attention will be paid to the coherence of the Union 's external policy, taking into account the position of developing countries. more features

Links:Official site Presidency
Calendar Dutch Presidency 2004

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

June 27, 2004