President Drnovšek receives Mr Barroso, President of the European Commission
Ljubljana, 03/02/2006 | press release
The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek, today received the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Barroso. Mr Barroso commended Slovenia’s achievements with the observation that they could set an example for many a country. Dr Drnovšek and Mr Barroso mostly talked about the future of the European Union, and Mr Barroso stressed that great caution was necessary regarding further steps towards the process of ratification of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Mr Barroso said that one of the major challenges was how to bring Europe closer to its citizens, mentioning in this connection various activities in the areas of social and common energy policy as examples of how Europe can truly contribute to a better life for its citizens.
President Drnovšek expressed his view that the process of ratification of the EU Constitutional Treaty needed to be continued, since it is impossible to envision any other alternative. The European Union must be brought closer to its citizens so that they will embrace it as their own, as something they truly need. The outdated Common Agricultural Policy is entirely unconvincing. It must cease to be the main priority of the European Union. Through establishing the Globalisation Fund, the European Union would obtain an instrument to help regions and industries threatened by the pressure of Asian competition.
President Drnovšek believes that in this sense it is important to underline the significance of the European Union in light of the globalisation process. The EU must work towards providing better jobs and environmental standards in other parts of the world, thus contributing to the overall quality of life there while at the same time alleviating some of the pressure of desperate workers pouring into Europe. People must see the EU as a useful framework for protecting their interests in an ever-more globalised environment.
Mr Barroso agreed that the European dimension was important in communication with the USA and China, etc., which is an opinion shared by major European companies. He expressed his interest in being in direct communication with President Drnovšek regarding possible development directions of the European Union.