The German government believes that 'today's challenges are sharply different from those the EU faced in its formative period,' and therefore, after 50 years of successful history of 'a unique in the world model of a voluntary union of democratic states,' the time has come for further changes.
First among the innovations needed for the European Union, the statement says, is the adoption of an EU constitution: 'The European Union is a political union and therefore needs a fundamental document that clearly and understandably regulates its entire organization.' 'The EU constitutional treaty signed by all governments and approved by a majority of member states still represents the best basis for this,' the statement says.
The federal government intends to do everything in its power to fulfill the mandate of the EU Council of June 2006 and find a path to the successful continuation of the constitutional process, which will give new impetus to European integration.
The statement emphasizes that at the informal EU summit on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome on March 24-25 in Berlin, Germany will seek to lay down guidelines in the planned Berlin Declaration for defining the highest values and tasks of the European Union. 'Such an agreement on the historical and cultural foundations of the European idea and European interests will strengthen the sense of European unity based on common values and convictions. We will succeed in creating Europe only if we do it together. History did not give us Europe as something ready and final. Europe will always be only what European peoples and states want to make of it,' members of the federal government believe.
It also calls for 'more clearly defining the external contours of Europe.' 'A political entity without borders cannot be viable. However, when completing the unification of the continent, we should not get carried away - this is required by our responsibility for Europe's identity,' the statement emphasizes.
In this regard, the document speaks of 'partnership and good neighborly policy' towards those countries that cannot become full members of the EU. In particular, during Germany's presidency, it is planned to 'expand partnership with the neighboring African continent.'
Germany will also pay great attention to everything that will help ensure the EU's competitiveness and economic prosperity in the context of globalization, including improving the social system, innovative projects, education and research.
Energy and climate protection are named in the document as 'central issues determining the future of the continent in the 21st century.' 'Given its high dependence on energy imports, Europe needs a European energy policy,' the federal government emphasizes. It also intends to demonstrate Europe's leading role in matters of 'protection of national and global climate,' while including this topic in its list of tasks as chair of the 'Group of Eight.'
Another important area of its future presidency activities Germany considers the intensification of cooperation between EU police and prosecutor authorities in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. 'At the same time, the EU will be guided by the protection of civil liberties. The dramas with refugees and illegal migration to Europe affect all of us and require a joint European response.'
In carrying out all the planned tasks during its presidency, the federal government intends to 'closely cooperate with the next EU presidents - Portugal and Slovenia, so that with the help of such a 'presidential triangle' in the following 18 months, increase the level of continuity of European policy.'
Based on materials from RIA Novosti.