"Europe is at a cornerstone. If we act immediately and determinedly, we will be able to effectively stand up to the hazards of climate change". Angela Merkel, German Chancellor and current President of the EU, presents the items on the agenda for the summit due on 8th and 9th March in Brussels. The usual spring meeting will bring together the heads of state and government of the 27 member countries, to discuss environmental issues, the energy issue, the Lisbon Strategy. In addition, Merkel explains in a letter she sent today to her fellow prime ministers that at the meeting she is going to present her "idea of the structure and contents of the Berlin Declaration, that we supposedly will adopt, along with the president of the EU Commission and the president of the EU Parliament, on March 25th to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome". Merkel stresses that "the climate and energy policies will be the focus of the European Council. We must reach an agreement that will guarantee long-lasting energy provisions", without neglecting the "environmental sustainability" of energy consumption and, broadly speaking, the economic development of the EU. "The way we will tackle this issue adds Merkel will have an impact on the future of Europe and on its borders". (to be continued)
