Berlin, 19.12.2006. Speaking in Helsinki, Chancellor Angela Merkel reaffirmed the need for a constitutional treaty for the European Union, calling it a precondition for being able to continue the enlargement process.
"There was a large measure of agreement in the discussion that took place last week on EU enlargement. Further countries can only be admitted to the EU if we prepare ourselves for this institutionally with a constitutional treaty, " Merkel said. "Those who are thinking very strongly in the direction of enlargement ought to realize that this constitutional treaty is necessary. "
Partnership talks with Russia
There will be an EU-Russia meeting during the German presidency. Merkel hopes it will be possible to discuss the main points of a new partnership agreement. "We need to renew our present agreement", she noted, adding that a great deal of importance will be attributed to energy in this context.
Merkel indicated that it may be possible in the near future to resolve a conflict between Poland and Russia over a ban on meat exports, saying that this conflict has stood in the way of initiating talks between the EU and Russia on a new partnership and cooperation agreement.
Diplomatic tour de force
Merkel praised the outgoing Finnish presidency, underscoring in particular its resolution of the conflict with Turkey over implementation of the Ankara Protocol. "That was a genuine diplomatic tour de force," she said, adding: "You succeeded in sending the right signal on a difficult issue. For that you have my heartfelt thanks."
