Mit - Index

Mit - UVK_Sinfo_2008_05_št.10 - Index

QUotESoftHEfortnight
sinfo 10 2
Janez Janša /Slovene PM/: We have achieved moves towards
a better Europe with synergy
Brussels, 24 June - With synergy with the European Commission and
the European Parliament, we have in the past six months achieved
moves which have made Europe better. These moves prove that
Europe is dynamic, that it works and that it is capable of facing
difficulties. It was possible to take these steps forward because of
good collaboration and synergy between institutions. “Si.nergy
for Europe” is the motto that Slovenia chose as a guideline for its
first Presidency of the EU.
Graham Watson /Leader of European liberals (ALDE)/: Slovenia
made a mark
Brussels, 24 June: “I congratulate the Slovenian Presidency on its
achievements. If some had a feeling that it was just a warm-up before
the Presidency of the next state, those of us who looked closer
saw important progress. Slovenia made a mark. As the most important
achievement, I would point out the ratification of the directive
on the return of illegal residents, which is the first cornerstone of
EU immigration policy. As one of the successes, I would emphasise
especially the fifth freedom, the directive on environment protection
under criminal law, and postal services, and progress on the Western
Balkans. If you were not successful in facing the disappointment
of European citizens, it is not your fault - those are bigger issues. We
all need to prove together that we are in the service of people, not
their masters. If there are problems with the Treaty of Lisbon, which
have cast a shadow over the Presidency, it is not your fault.
Brian Crowley /Union for Europe of the nations /: Congratulations
to Slovenia on a “fantastic job”
Brussels, 24 June: What a great image, what a great advertisement
for the country! Now it’s time for Slovenia to be jealous and to
protect its achievements, because victory usually has many fathers.
Jelko Kacin (ALDE/LDS): Slovenia as the first among the
new Member States successfully survived the biggest responsibility
that EU membership entails.
Brussels, 24 June: Now there are no more doubts if I come from Slovenia
or Slovakia. The Slovenian team should stay in Brussels for
some more time, because it could contribute a lot to the success
of the French Presidency.
Žiga Turk / Minister of Development/: Slovenia’s EU Presidency
contributed some new development ideas
Ljubljana, 23 June: The Slovenian Presidency of the EU equally contributed
some new development ideas, which were well received
and obtained a right of domicile. Slovenia has, as the first new
Member State to take the reins of the European Union, justified
the trust. The boat that Slovenia received to manage was not on
an ‘automatic pilot’, but rather, Slovenia could ambitiously correct
its direction as the presiding country.