Jansa: Security, Climate Change, Poverty Key Challenges for EU

The Hague, 24 May

Addressing a forum marking the 60th anniversary of the Hague Congress in the Hague on Saturday, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said that while 60 years ago the key challenge was to secure peace and unite Europe, it is now necessary to focus on three challenges coming from outside; peace and security, climate change and poverty.

The central debate at the forum, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the congress that set the first cornerstone for the EU of today, began with a short film on the key events of these 60 years, including the disintegration of Yugoslavia in 1991 and Slovenia's EU accession in 2004.
Jansa stressed that Slovenia owed its membership in the European family to the European movement that is celebrating 60 years today, and added that his participation in the ceremony was also a very emotional moment.
The current president of the EU Council said that after Europe resolved its internal problems, it was time to focus on three challenges coming from the outside: peace and security, climate change and poverty.
European Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering also highlighted the importance of lessons learned in the past, while also mentioning intercultural dialogue as a very important element for the future.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his belief in the future of Europe, quoting Winston Churchill, who said as the chair of the Hague Congress: "This spark will start a fire which will glow brighter and stronger in the hearts and the minds of men and women in many lands."
The forum is also attended by Lluis Maria de Puig, the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Dimitris Dimitriadis, the president of the European Economic and Social Committee, and Luc van den Brande, the president of the Committee of the Regions.
Dimitriadis also pointed to the need to address global problems, saying that Europe cannot be an peaceful oasis in a world in crisis. He also sees the need to bridge the gap between the citizens and the EU's institutions. Van den Brande agreed, likening the EU to a car that has a chassis but no wheels.
Meanwhile, speaking to the press on the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Jansa also commented on the upcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland.
He stressed that the Irish would also decide on 12 June for other member states and that there should be no talk of a plan B. "There is only one plan - ratification and enforcement of the treaty in January 2009 and I am convinced that this will be the case," Jansa said.
"We have very close ties with the Irish government, and I think they are doing an excellent job at campaigning for a positive result," Jansa responded to the question whether he was concerned about the Irish referendum, which could have a crucial impact on the EU's current goals.
Optimism was also voiced by former European Parliament president Pat Cox, who also the president of the international European Movement, the organiser of the forum.
Cox said that the campaign in his country was in full swing and that things were looking good. While there is no room for complacency, Cox said he was optimistic.
Poettering and Barroso said there was "nothing to add" to the comment made by Jansa.
The forum in Hague, which is also chaired by Cox, aims to provide for an exchange of fresh ideas for a more energetic Europe, which would enable Europe to respond to the challenges of the 21st century.
At the plenary session the EU's highest officials met the Dutch prince Willem-Alexander, whereas Jansa also attended a lunch hosted by Dutch European Affairs Minister Frans Timmermans. In the afternoon, Jansa was also scheduled to participate in a debate, aired live at Europe by Satellite.

Jansa: Security, Climate Change, Poverty Key Challenges for EU

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