 | The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, today visited the seat of the European Commission to meet its President, José Manuel Barroso, as well as Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, and Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research. In his talks with the EU officials, President Türk called for transparency and democracy in selecting the president of the European Council, a new office outlined in the Lisbon Treaty. In his opinion, the selection procedure should be improved in such a way that it enables presentation of the candidates to the public and also communication between them, which would enhance the legitimacy of the EU's institutions in the eyes of its citizens. The President visited Brussels as part of the preparations for his participation at the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Türk first met the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, to discuss strengthening the European Union's global position. They also talked about the EU's role in resolving international crises, its development aid, the Millennium Development Goals, human rights, neighbourhood policy and other questions concerning the EU's external relations.
The Slovene President then met Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Science and Research. Their discussion focused on questions related to implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, technological development, and investment in science and research. The also analysed the growth of research in Europe, the formation of research centres in Africa and the influence of current development policy trends on future development.
Finally, President Türk met the European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, to discuss ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, especially the current situation of this process, marked by the rejection of the treaty in a recent referendum in Ireland. The presidents agreed that the ratification process should be carried through, which would help the European Union deal less with internal issues and focus instead on actively assuming its global role. According to the presidents, the European Union's chief global responsibilities are the fight against climate change and the quest to reach the Millennium Development Goals. Progress must be made in these areas, and the EU has to keep its leading role, they said. Since the Millennium Development Goals will also be on the agenda of the next UN General Assembly session in New York, the two presidents talked at length about the EU's priorities in guaranteeing international peace and stability, sustainable development, and human rights. Finally, they discussed the situation in Zimbabwe and Sudan, as well other current affairs. |