PM Vanhanen warns EU leaders against dreaming up mini-solutions to constitution issue

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Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) has warned other European Union leaders not to make any hasty statements in the aftermath of the French rejection of the draft EU constitution, before discussing the issue amongst themselves.
      "We do not need to race to come up with mini solutions", Vanhanen said on Tuesday during a visit to Luxembourg, which currently holds the EU Presidency.
      The main topic in discussions between Vanhanen and Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker was the budgetary framework of the EU. The two also discussed the implications of the French referendum.
      Both leaders agree that the other EU countries should continue the ratification process of the EU constitution as planned.
      "Although there is intense debate about the constitution, we must not forget everyday challenges."
     
The everyday challenges include deciding on the EU’s budgetary framework for 2007 - 2013.
      Finland’s concern in the negotiations was that with the enlargement of the EU, Finland stands to get less EU funding both from the structural fund, and agricultural subsidies. An annual sum of about EUR 200 million is on the line.
      Vanhanen’s view is that Finland’s financial position as a net contributor must not change too much. Prime Minister Juncker reportedly understood Vanhanen’s point of view, although he did not make any promises that the level of subsidies would stay the same, or even that possible cuts would be reasonable.
     
Vanhanen, who brought a number of graphs and tables to the meeting, said that a solution could well be found to Finland’s special problems.
      "There have been creative solutions before, and it is good that [Juncker] knows how to focus on Finland’s problems", Vanhanen said.
      Finland currently gets about EUR 320 million in support from the structural fund. Support for rural development is EUR 350 million. The traditional agricultural subsidy is in addition to all of this.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Prime Minister Vanhanen downplays horror scenarios after French vote (31.5.2005)

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