European Union" "
The informal summit of EU Heads of State and of Government, held in Ghent on 19 October, tackled the question of international terrorism and the consequences of last month’s attacks in New York and Washington. At the end of the summit, three joint declarations were presented in the presence of the President of the Commission: “The aftermath of the attacks of 11 September and the fight against terrorism”; “Examination of the economic situation” and “Preparations for the introduction of the Euro”. In their Declaration on terrorism, the Fifteen confirmed their own “complete support for the action conducted against terrorism in all its aspects in the framework defined by the United Nations”, and reaffirmed their commitment “to do all they can to ensure that the civilian population is spared”. The summit expressed its determination to “operate under the aegis of the United Nations, to favour the emergence of a government that is stable, legitimate and representative of the whole of the Afghan population, that respects human rights and that is keen to develop good relations with all the surrounding countries”. The second Declaration notes the existence of an “accentuated economic slowdown”, though in the conviction that “the solid economic foundations of the Union and the re-adjustment of public finances already achieved will help to ensure a limited and temporary impact”. The Declaration on the preparations for the introduction of the Euro stressed the “historic” importance of the placing in circulation of the single currency and the consequent benefits for citizens. The Council declared that it was satisfied about the degree of preparation of the national Administrations and about the “pre-supply” arrangements for banks and retail outlets.
