” “The energy policy and innovation: these will be the two subjects to be discussed at the informal summit tomorrow, organised by the Finnish government, which is currently presiding the EU, in the city of Lahti. The heads of state and government of the 25 member states and the nominee countries will meet on the invitation of prime minister Matti Vahnanen for "an open, informal discussion", which will end in the evening with a meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin. In the invitation sent to the EU leaders, Vanhanen wrote: "We will concentrate on searching for a common approach to how to develop our external energy policy. In this area, we are facing plenty of challenges. The development of the world markets have made us aware that we depend on external energy suppliers and of the importance of secure supplies". In addition, "because of the need to fight the climate change, we must commit ourselves to a sustainable use of energy". The head of the Finnish government and president on duty of the EU Council specifies: "Only if we work in a more coordinated way can we wield real influence on the world energy markets and respond more effectively to the disturbances of this industry". (to be continued)” “
