” “"Finland is going to try and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe, by developing for instance its innovation policies". Erkki Tuomioja, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Scandinavian country, describes the commitments its government will take on from July 1st, when he will be appointed chairman of the EU Council. "We will start consultations on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. We will find methods to improve the consistency, efficiency and visibility of the external relations of the EU". At the same time, "the EU extension and the EU energy policy will be high on the Finnish agenda". On her part, Ursula Plassnik, Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in handing the chair over to her Finnish colleague, states: "The goal of the Austrian chair was to contribute to give more clarity, confidence and impetus to Europe. I think we made it. We have showed the way towards the Europe of projects, a cutting-edge program for the citizens, and we have helped spread a new, friendlier tone in the European debate". ” “
