Portuguese ambassador highlights target of EU reform treaty

The new reform treaty the European Union hopes to finalise before the year ends should enable the continent to renew internal economic growth while strengthening its role on the global stage, the Portuguese Ambassador to Malta, Antonio Russo Dias.

Speaking of the priorities set out by the Portuguese presidency of the EU during a seminar organised by the Malta in Europe Forum, Mr Russo Dias said that "the image of Europe as a commercial giant and a political dwarf must be shed".

One of the main axis of the Portuguese presidency was to strengthen Europe's role in the world and become a main player when it comes to tackling global issues involving the Middle East, Iran, Darfur and Kosovo, as well as in its relations with China, India and neighbouring Russia.

Other priority areas set out by the current presidency when it came to the EU's role as a global player included a fresh approach to the Mediterranean, Mr Russo Dias said.

The outward-looking approach of the presidency was summed up in its slogan: A Stronger Europe For A Better World.

The Portuguese presidency would seek a joint strategy with Africa through a summit to be held in Lisbon in December. It will also seek to strengthen ties with Brazil.

The other priority axis, which are helping the EU's 27 member states move closer the Lisbon Strategy (with a clear agenda to modernise the economy and society) and enhancing the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice, all depend on the crucial EU reform treaty.

The presidency is laying emphasis on the free movement of people within the EU, pledging to open the way to abolish border controls between Schengen area member states before the end of the year.

Malta is expected to join the Schengen Agreement, which allows for the abolition of systematic border controls between the participating European countries, next year.

The Portuguese ambassador said a global approach to migration should include strengthening patrols in the southern Mediterranean border. While encouraging legal migrations and making use of skills needed by Europe, the EU presidency was committed to curb illegal migration.

Replacing the defunct EU Constitution, the EU treaty, which should become a final draft by October, was needed to enhance the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the union and giving coherence to its external action, Mr Russo Dias said.

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo expressed confidence that Portugal would see the EU treaty through. The process to reform the EU, enabling it to function as a union of 27 member states, had been very long and it was in the union's interest to show it is able to move forward. Dr Frendo said Malta would be vigilant to make sure that what the country had achieved in the previous package is retained in the final draft of the treaty.

"There is a new feeling and urgency to bring the project to a close for the European economy to move on and so that the EU can concentrate on being more effective internationally," he said.

The minister pledged support to the Portuguese presidency's achieving the goals of the EU-Africa summit