The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Mr Janez Janša, held a meeting with the members of the Presidency of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats (EPP-ED) in the European Parliament.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

PM Janez Janša presented to them a detailed programme of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency, emphasising in particular the programme priorities. The major part of the debate was devoted both to the issue of following the Lisbon Treaty ratification process across the Member States and to the energy and climate change package presented on Wednesday 23 January by the European Commission. In the coming weeks and months, the Slovenian Presidency will hold an in-depth debate with the Member States on this matter, which will also be at the heart of the debates of Heads of State and Government at the EU Summit in March.

 

The politicians also touched on the situation in the Western Balkans, in particular the issue of the designation of the future status of Kosovo.

 

PM Janez Janša and the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Mr Joseph Daul (Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

Members of the Presidency of the EPP-ED Group expressed support for the Slovenian Presidency, pointing out the issues which are, in the opinion of the political group, especially relevant in the first half of 2008. In addition to the energy and climate package, particular attention was devoted to economic issues, chiefly to competitiveness, concern for small and medium-sized enterprises, and security and migration issues.