President Halonen at the European Parliament: Coherent EU is a strong actor in the Middle East

According to President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen, the Lebanon situation has shown that a coherent EU is a strong actor. “The determined action of the EU has increased confidence in the EU as a peace broker in the region. The EU cannot manage this alone, but it can play an influential role”, President Halonen said in her speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday 5 September.

Photo: Lehtikuva / Reuters

President Halonen said that in addition to providing direct humanitarian aid, the EU will play a major part in reconstruction and in repairing damage to the environment in Lebanon. She reminded that the situation in Lebanon is complex and involves more than just security policy. It is also a political, economic and social problem. “We must support the strengthening of the Lebanese government, the extending of its authority to cover the entire country, and the leading role of Lebanon itself in the reconstruction process.”

According to President Halonen, the EU must again take the initiative in promoting efforts towards a comprehensive peace plan, which requires a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “All parties concerned must commit themselves to a model involving two secure and viable states. Confidence building must also take place at the grass-roots level, not just between governments. I believe that if women are actively involved in the peace process, there is a better chance for a sustainable solution.”

President Halonen also pointed out that the EU must persistently continue the negotiations on the nuclear programme of Iran. “In the future weeks and months, the EU must continue to pursue active and broad-based diplomatic efforts in the region. Iran must comply with the Security Council Resolution. The USA is an important partner for the EU in these efforts, along with the other permanent members of the Security Council.”

In her speech to the Parliament, President Halonen also discussed the relationship between the EU and Russia. She particularly highlighted the energy policy in which the need for cooperation is strong. “Energy policy and the external action of the EU must be more closely linked so that the EU external relations will help support our energy security. I feel that this, in particular, is an area where the interdependence of the EU and Russia could become the most apparent in a positive manner”, President Halonen said.

Concerning the enlargement of the EU, President Halonen noted that it has promoted stability and security in Europe, and it has benefited all Member States economically, both the old and the new. Successful enlargement also strengthens the international role of the EU. “I believe that the EU should remain open to all European countries that fulfil the criteria of membership. Developments in the countries of central Europe, in Turkey, in Croatia and in the Western Balkans demonstrate that EU membership perspective is a powerful incentive for implementing reforms, although the ultimate reason for any changes must be the will to improve the everyday lives and security of one’s own citizens. After all, our citizens value EU membership according to their everyday experiences.”

In Strasbourg President Halonen also held discussions with the President of the European Parliament, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles. In addition she met bilaterally with the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Barroso. President Halonen also visited the Council of Europe.

Full text of the speech