It is in Slovenia's interests that procedures on resolving the EU constitutional crisis are launched during Germany's EU presidency and Slovenia will strive as best it can for a compromise solution to this issue at the June EU summit, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said on Tuesday.
Jansa, presenting in parliament the declaration on Slovenia's activities in the EU in the January 2007-June 2008 period, added that failure to reach such a compromise could mean that the Slovenian EU presidency in the first half of 2008 would take place in an atmosphere that would not be good.
He added that the EU could face a deepening crisis at the next EU parliamentary elections, which would be manifested in a low turnout, a drop in the reputation of EU institutions and rise of euroscepticism.
According to Jansa, EU presidency the biggest challenge for the country after it won independence. It is not only the government's project but one of national importance, he said.
Slovenia wants to make some decisive steps in enlargement towards Western Balkans during its stint, but none of these processes could come to a close during Slovenia's presidency. The EU needs a new constitutional foundation prior to the enlargement, he added.
Jansa said that Slovenia would also focus on liberating the full potential of the EU's internal market as some restrictions still apply. This is also true for the eurozone, which primarily needs an open and competitive market, he said.
He also highlighted Slovenia's key achievements such as the adoption of the euro and the key role the country has been playing in seeking solutions to the delay in expanding the Schengen no-border zone.
Slovenia is also a successful economy, and the prime minister expects GDP per capita to rise above EUR 20,000 in 2006.
Jansa also called for an agreement with political parties on cooperation before and during the presidency to prevent the period from being used for domestic policy tensions.
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