President Halonen met European presidents in Latvia

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen attended an informal meeting of the presidents of eight countries in Riga, Latvia on 10-11 April 2007. The discussion themes of the second day of the meeting included sustainable development, climate change and energy issues. The meeting was hosted by President Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia and also was attended by President Horst Köhler of Germany, President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy, President Heinz Fischer of Austria, President Anibal Cavaco Silva of Portugal, President Lech Kaczynski of Poland, and President László Sólyom of Hungary. In her presentation on the first day of the meeting on 10 April, President Halonen noted that even though Europe is not the same thing as the European Union, the EU is an extremely important factor in building the future of Europe. The European Union needs a new founding treaty to continue the successful enlargement process and to increase the effectiveness of decision-making. In order to be strong in its global role, the EU must speak with a common voice.

Presidents of Finland, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Latvia, Hungary and Austria. Photo: Lehtikuva/AFP

President Halonen gave her full support to Germany, the current Presidency holder, for its efforts to achieve a consensus on the regarding the founding treaty before the 2009 European Elections

The meeting also included discussions with young researchers, students, and European activists.

The occasion followed up the informal meetings that were held in Portugal 2003, Finland 2005 and Germany 2006.

Dr Pentti Arajärvi accompanied President Halonen. A separate programme was arranged for the presidents' spouses.