JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2008

EU Presidency Priorities: Discussion with Slovenian Ambassador.

Chairman

The first item is the Chairman's report on informal meetings. I had a lunch meeting with the Slovenian Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. Franc Miksa, on 1 February. It was a constructive, frank and friendly exchange of views. It was a constructive and useful meeting where we had an exchange of views.

We welcome the ambassador to our meeting. This is the first time Slovenia has held the Presidency. It is good to see smaller member states within the Union having that particular honour. As we know, that will not continue into the future but it is something that is useful both from the point of view of participation by the newer member states and showing the established member states that those who joined the Union later have committed themselves fully and effectively to all its institutions. I extend to the ambassador a very warm welcome.

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

Thank you.

Chairman

The usual procedure is that our guests make an opening contribution of approximately ten minutes following which there is an opportunity for the members to raise questions in a question and answer session. I call the ambassador.

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

Should I wait for my colleagues, the diplomats, who are outside to come in or begin?

Chairman

You can proceed and we will arrange to have them brought in.

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

Thank you. Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, Deputy Bernard Durkan, distinguished Deputies and Senators, members of the joint committee, at the outset I would like to use this opportunity to wish you, on behalf of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU, every success and happiness in 2008. Since 2008 is a leap year, our Presidency will last for one day longer than the German Presidency in the first half of 2007.

At the beginning of this year, we all had the pleasant opportunity to congratulate Cyprus and Malta for adopting the euro and joining the euro area on 1 January. At the first regular meeting of the ambassadors of the EU member states on 17 January, I had the honour of informing my colleague that I had received a letter, dated 3 January, from the Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs informing me that the committee will consider the Slovenian EU Presidency's programme at its meeting on 5 February 2008 and that I was invited for an exchange of views on the priorities of the Slovenian EU Presidency. It was the first official letter I had received from the Irish authorities since Slovenia took over the EU Presidency on 1 January. Chairman, I thank you for that great honour.

I agree with the general opinion that the challenge of holding the EU Presidency is much higher for smaller member states than for big ones. I and my deputy, Ms Lea Stancic, consider the Slovenian Presidency a new challenge and welcome opportunity for gaining additional and valuable experience and to prove once again the well known belief that smaller EU member states have always provided successful and smooth Presidencies of the EU. So far, Ireland has done it very efficiently six times. During the past three years of preparation work for the Slovenian Presidency, there were many meetings between representatives of the Slovenian and Irish authorities relating to EU issues, from which Slovenia gained much useful experience about successful Irish Presidencies. Moreover, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs sent, at the request of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Slovenia, an experienced diplomat to Ljubljana who is working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the term of our Presidency. His secondment in the field of human rights is very valuable.

Since I am convinced that all members of the committee are already familiar with the main priorities of the Slovenian Presidency, I will offer a brief introduction. Some committee members might still remember our common presentation on the 18 month programme of the German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies, the so-called EU Troika, at the meeting of the Joint Committee on European Affairs on 24 January 2007. The central issues of the trio programme was the continuation of the EU reform process, implementation of the Lisbon strategy for growth and employment and further progress towards the completion of the European area of freedom, security and justice. The Slovenian Presidency rounds off the first trio Presidency and implementation of the first 18 month programme. Co-operation with our partners, Germany and Portugal, has been a unique and positive experience. To ensure a smooth transition to the next trio, Slovenia is co-operating closely with France, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

Following the Slovenian Presidency through official EU documents and press reports, one can see that the Presidency has started rather intensively with its programme of main events. I will mention some of the events that took place in Slovenia in January. On 7 January, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met in Ljubljana with more than 60 journalists accredited to Brussels. There was an article about it in The Irish Times. On 8 January, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue was formally launched in Ljubljana. As the committee will be aware, 2008 has been designated the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Later there was a meeting between the Slovenian Government and the European Commission and an informal meeting between the director general for European affairs and the political director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On 15 January, Prime Minister Jansa addressed the European Parliament.

The first General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting held by the President, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, Minister for Foreign Affairs, took place on 28 January. A meeting relating to the activities of national parliaments was included in the programme of the Slovenian Presidency. On 11 January, for example, a delegation of the Joint Committee on European Affairs and the Committee on European Scrutiny attended an international conference in Ljubljana on the role of national parliaments in the EU decision making process. The delegation of nine members was led by Deputy Bernard Durkan, chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs. A delegation of the Irish Parliament will also attend a meeting relating to EU issues in Slovenia in February.

The possible priorities of the Slovenian Presidency were, to a large extent, determined in the 18 month programme of the German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies and in the inherited agenda of the Council of the EU. I will introduce the main topics of the Slovenian Presidency. The first is the successful ratification of the Lisbon treaty. As the committee will be aware, to date there have been five ratifications. Hungary was the first, ratifying the treaty on 17 December last, followed by Slovenia on 29 January, then followed by Malta and now France. Yesterday Romania ratified the treaty. We hope that by the end of the Slovenian Presidency the majority of the ratifications — 20 or so — will be done.

The second issue concerns secure and sustainable energy supply and questions related to the climate changes. Third is the Lisbon strategy relating to stable economic growth and the creation of more and better jobs for the new three-year cycle of the Lisbon strategy, which begins this year. Fourth is enlargement of the EU, strengthening the European perspectives of the western Balkans and the European neighbourhood policy, continuation of the accession negotiation with Croatia and Turkey, introducing the European standard in the western Balkan countries — Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania — and giving them a clear European perspective. Fifth, and last of the main points, is intercultural dialogue. I already mentioned that 2008 was proclaimed the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. We will continue with negotiations about a Schengen enlargement. Already, in March, the border control at EU airports will be abolished.

I will now say a few words about all five main topics of the Slovenian Presidency. On the Lisbon treaty, after signing the treaty on 13 December 2007, the main task for the member states in 2008 is to efficiently pursue and complete the ratification process to allow the treaty to enter into force before the election of the European Parliament in 2009. This means that all the instruments of ratification should be deposited by the end of 2008 or, at the latest, in the first three months of 2009.

On the new cycle of the Lisbon strategy, the strategy was renewed in 2005 to focus on higher and stable economic growth and the creation of more and better jobs. It therefore represents a significant contribution to the EU's solid economic performance. In 2008 the second three-year cycle of the renewed Lisbon strategy will commence. We will strive for successful preparation of the spring European Council 2008 and adoption of the integrated guidelines for growth and jobs at the council. It is generally estimated that radical changes of integrated guidelines are not necessary, only changes of the explanatory text in order to include the most recent challenges.

The Presidency believes that the new Lisbon strategy is working and that no radical changes of the strategy or process are needed. The key to success is consistent continuation of the process and implementation of the national reform programmes. Therefore, the Slovenian Presidency will further promote the strategic priorities of the Lisbon strategy in the areas of innovation and creativity, development of competitive businesses, environment, adoption of labour market, as well as energy and climate changes.

On climate change and energy, the European Council, in March 2007, defined basic elements of the EU's new integrated climate and energy policy, and now it is time to take further steps. The European Commission issued the climate and energy package on 23 January 2008. It deals with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the review of emissions trading schemes and renewable energy. This question was widely published in the press of the different countries, and also here in Ireland. It is a big issue and everybody is now preparing how to realise the goals of this document.

The comprehensive and difficult negotiation connected to the climate and energy package has already started during the Slovenian Presidency and will be tackled by the two European Councils in the first half of 2008. We hope that all member states will be ready to provide constructive co-operation. Slovenia would favour an early agreement on the energy climate package, towards the end of 2008 or in the first months of 2009 at the latest, as this would put the European Union in a strong position with its international partners in the debate on post-Kyoto levels of reduction of in-house gas emissions after 2012, particularly in view of the December 2009 conference in Copenhagen.

On the western Balkans and EU enlargement, the Slovenian Presidency supports further EU enlargement in accordance with EU enlargement strategy. At the same time, it emphasises the condition that the candidate must comply consistently with the criteria and standards of the EU acquis. Therefore, during our Presidency, we will continue the intensive accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey. The stability of the western Balkans is crucial to the security and prosperity of the entire Union. Therefore, development of the European perspective for the western Balkans should remain a central feature of the EU agenda. Slovenia, having endeavoured the reaffirmation of the so-called Thessalonika agenda of 2003, posted the conclusions of the network of stabilisation and association agreements and for strengthening regular co-operation in similar areas.

As this is the European year of intercultural dialogue, the Presidency will endeavour to contribute to intercultural dialogue within the Union. Such dialogue constitutes the foundation of the co-existence of all European citizens. It is important, therefore, to present the value of intercultural dialogue and multilingualism among EU citizens and the European public at large and to incorporate the positive experiences of this year into future policies. We will also promote intercultural dialogue with the western Balkans and worldwide. A special contribution of Slovenia is an initiative for establishing an EU-Mediterranean university in Piran, agreed at the previous EU ministerial meeting.

These are the five main priorities of the Slovenian Presidency I have tried to explain, but there are still some other areas I will mention before completing my presentation. I mentioned already the Schengen enlargement and expansion of the EU area. I would like to draw to the committee's attention the issues relating to increasing the external role of the European Union in the area of security, development and economic relations. Slovenia will try to enhance the external role of the European Union in the field of security, development, economic and trade relations with third countries. The common aim is to strengthen and develop further the particular policies of the European Union which refer to the European neighbourhood policy dialogue with the strategic partners and regions, common European security and defence policy and international development and trade co-operation.

In this context, Slovenia plans to organise a summit with the strategic partners and regions of the European Union, with the USA, the Russian Federation, Japan and a 50 EU, Latin-American and Caribbean countries summit in Peru. Those discussions will focus on the most real issues, such as further political and economic co-operation, trade policy, energy, environment, climate change, sustainable development, the fight against terrorism, organised crime, abolishment of poverty and inequality.

Slovenia will focus on strengthening further the European neighbourhood policy, especially in the Black Sea area. Slovenia must also be active in solving the international security question, particularly in light of the increased expectation of the European Union taking a greater role as a global power. Among the areas covered in this regard are the western Balkans and Kosovo. Other very important regions are the Middle East, Iraq and Iran, etc.

We also hope to play a role in the many activities in the field of development aid and the European security and defence policy. We hope the political agreement with Serbia will be signed on 7 February.

That is our agenda. I thank the committee for its attention.

Chairman

I thank the ambassador for his presentation.

Deputy Billy Timmins

I thank the ambassador for his contribution and the detailed document he forwarded to members of the committee.

Was there much discussion in Slovenia on the ratification of the Lisbon treaty? What was the public reaction to the treaty? Does the ambassador have any views on the situation in Ireland? Does he have any advice he might wish to give the committee, considering that Ireland will be the only country in which a referendum will be held on the reform treaty? I am sure he would like us to have held the referendum by the time the Slovenian EU Presidency has concluded. I am sure that, ideally, he would wish the 27 countries to have ratified the treaty by that time.

I ask the ambassador to elaborate on the accession discussions between Slovenia and Croatia and Turkey. What is the situation with regard to those meetings in terms of number of meetings held and the progress made?

I note that the situation in Kosovo and the western Balkans will be one of the main issues during the Slovenian EU Presidency. I welcome the result of the election held in recent days in Serbia. How can the situation be accommodated in the months ahead, in the light of a possible declaration of independence by Kosovo and the likely knock-on effect? Is there a role for the European Union in ensuring the region remains stable?

Deputy Mary O’Rourke

I thank the ambassador and Ms Stancic for attending this meeting. His country's agenda seems very energetic. I note with interest that the president of the Slovenian Parliament, the leader of the governing party, received a vote of confidence in his government in November, prior to the commencement of the six months' Slovenian Presidency of the European Union. It was a wise move by him, as he settled in well and it stood him in good stead.

Is Slovenia continuing to make very good economic progress? Is the economy doing well?

To echo what Deputy Timmins said, I am interested in finding out if there was much of a fuss or debate among the public in Slovenia about ratification of the treaty. The information available to us is a little scant and I do not know if there was an uproar or general agreement. Were meetings held or was the matter just dealt with in parliament in a low key manner? The ambassador did not talk much about the process; he just mentioned that the vote had been taken. I would like to know if there was much country-wide debate about accession or the Lisbon reform treaty. The ambassador will know that Ireland is the only country in which people will vote on the treaty and it remains to be seen how this will work out.

I am interested in hearing about the state of the Slovenian economy.

Deputy Lucinda Creighton

I thank the ambassador for a very interesting and comprehensive presentation. I congratulate him on his country's early ratification of the reform treaty. I hope the other EU member states will follow suit. The target of 2020 for energy and climate change is very ambitious. I look forward to seeing how the Slovenian Presidency kick-starts that process. There has been considerable talk about Europe's competitiveness. Concerns have been expressed by industry in the EU and by member states trying to attract inward investment. How does the Slovenian Presidency propose to tackle the challenges that will face us in terms of competing with other regions of the world in ensuring we do not price ourselves out of the market or make it more difficult for investment into industry in Europe owing to these challenging targets we have set? What will the balance be?

Regarding the enlargement process, the ambassador has spoken about focusing on Croatia and Turkey. What will be the impact of the provisions regarding the criteria for enlargement contained within the Lisbon reform treaty? Does the ambassador believe the criteria will become more strictly enforced than we have seen in the past given that they will be contained in the treaty? What is the focus of the negotiations with Croatia and particularly Turkey? What issues are on the agenda in those negotiations and what does the ambassador foresee being the main subject of negotiation in the next six months?

Deputy Joe Costello

I welcome the ambassador and his assistant. I compliment him and his country for being the first from behind the former Iron Curtain to take over the Presidency of the European Union and for being the first to move into the euro zone. It is an indication of the progress Slovenia has made in recent years. Of the countries that joined in 2004 it is the first to do so.

My colleagues have already spoken about the Lisbon treaty. Five countries have already ratified the treaty. Does the ambassador have a schedule for the ratification of the other countries? Does he know, for example, whether all the countries will attempt to ratify in their own fashion between now and the summer or have some indicated they will ratify in the autumn? Given that Slovenia holds the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, I presume its Prime Minister would be more than willing to travel if requested to address this forum or another forum in Ireland.

The ambassador indicated that the western Balkans represents one of the priority issues his country is addressing. Given the result of the recent presidential election in Serbia, does he envisage an early unilateral movement towards independence by Kosovo or will any steps be taken in consultation with Slovenia as President of the European Union considering that the successful candidate is pro the European Union. How does the ambassador see this panning out? Is it mere speculation at this time? Does the Slovenian Presidency propose to make progress on issues relating to war crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia, particularly in Kosovo and Serbia? Is the work of the court in The Hague on the table?

The ambassador has indicated that the Slovenian Presidency intends to make proposals on energy matters and climate change by the end of its six-month term. The French Presidency will then be charged with implementing them. It is ambitious to aim to have everything in place, more or less, by the start of 2009. It is intended to get all sides to agree the legislative proposals.

Deputy Noel Treacy

I warmly welcome the Slovenian ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Miksa, and his colleague, Ms Stancic. I congratulate them and their compatriots on the great success achieved by Slovenia in the last three years since it joined the European Union. Slovenia has joined the euro zone and the Schengen zone. It was able to accept the Lisbon reform treaty quickly. It has achieved constant economic growth since it became a member state of the European Union. Such accomplishments justify the decision taken by Ireland, when it held the Presidency of the Union in 2004, to allow Slovenia and nine other countries which were anxious to join the Union to do so. The success of Slovenia and its neighbours represents a vindication of the ingenious European neighbourhood policy promoted by the euro zone and the Union during the years. I hope Slovenia will be able to utilise that policy to the maximum possible extent during its Presidency.

Like my colleagues, I am interested to hear the ambassador's views on the European Union's relations with Croatia, which should have become a member state by now. It suffered from a "big brother" situation when its application to join the Union was active. Its application was almost successful but could not be completed until doubts about its attitude towards General Ante Gotovina had been removed. It was suggested at the time that General Gotovina might be harboured in Croatia or even in Ireland, which was ridiculous. I give credit to the Croatian Government which was absolutely consistent in its position. Its credibility was absolute. Its honesty in handling the situation was confirmed by the eventual outcome. Slovenia, like certain other EU member states, could help to expedite Croatia's membership of the Union. Perhaps special consideration could be given to some means of hastening that process. Croatia has a huge contribution to make. I would like the ambassador to tell the committee about the progress being made in that regard.

I am interested in Slovenia's priorities for its Presidency, as outlined by the ambassador, particularly the proposal to create a fifth freedom — a freedom of knowledge. How does the Presidency propose to control such a substantial area? What impact would the establishment of such a freedom have on intellectual property rights, etc? How does the Presidency envisage that this additional freedom would be able to make a universal contribution to improving communications, information and opportunities within the European Union?

I wish the Slovenian authorities every success with their Presidency. As Deputy Costello said, perhaps Ireland will need Slovenia's assistance when it is looking for a model of excellence among the new member states of the European Union. Slovenia has embraced the Union since it joined in 2004. It can be used to show the Irish people, in the context of the forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon reform treaty, the importance of expanding the Union, refining its institutions and modernising all aspects of it. Ireland has a serious responsibility to give to Slovenia and the other member states which joined in recent years a chance to maximise their opportunities.

Senator Terry Leyden

Like other members, I welcome the Slovenian Ambassador and his colleague. I had the pleasure of attending a committee meeting in Slovenia in January. It is a great honour for the ambassador's country and government that it is the first of the ten new member states to assume the Presidency of the European Union. I commend it on doing so. Given the success of Ireland's Presidencies, I am pleased a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs has been seconded to Slovenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the duration of its Presidency.

During our stay in Slovenia we were afforded excellent hospitality and people showed great friendliness. The country has enormous potential as a tourist destination. Has the ambassador made overtures to Aer Lingus or Ryanair regarding the possibility of establishing direct flights from Ireland to Slovenia? As it is difficult to fly to his lovely country, it would be beneficial if direct flights were available from Ireland, whether from Shannon, Dublin or Cork Airport.

Based on my observations, the country has a stable and growing economy and a solid, well established political system. It bravely joined the euro and has benefited considerably from membership of the European Union, in which it plays an important role. I found my visit worthwhile and the debate about the Lisbon reform treaty in which we engaged was very informative, particularly regarding the role of the independent states of the EU in scrutinising legislation.

While Ireland is in the fortunate position of holding a referendum on the treaty this year, this places on us an onerous responsibility to assist in ensuring it is passed. A significant amount of misinformation has been disseminated about the Lisbon reform treaty. Yesterday, I explained to somebody that the treaty will give people more rather than less power. At its core is the provision that parliaments will have sight of European Union legislation as soon as it is published, will have an opportunity to submit observations on it and may delay, veto or amend it to make it more suitable for the member state in question.

Many people are concerned about the provision that for five years of every 15 year period, member states will not have a commissioner. Germany, however, which had two commissioners some time ago, will be in the same position as Slovenia or Ireland in this regard. We must press the point that everyone will share the pain of not having a commissioner for a certain length of time. The European Parliament will also secure more powers.

The assumption of the EU Presidency by Slovenia and the leadership the country shows during the first six months of this year will encourage the passing of the Lisbon reform treaty referendum.

Senator Cecilia Keaveney

I welcome the opportunity to raise a couple of ideas with the ambassador. Having visited his beautiful country, I encourage other Irish people to travel to Slovenia. I was fascinated by the language skills of its people. Shop assistants were able to respond to customers in English, Italian, German and French. If we could learn something from the language teaching skills of Slovenia, we would go a long distance.

As a member of the Council of Europe, I have been set the task of compiling a report on how we teach history in areas of recent conflict. In terms of enlargement, has the issue of how we bring new countries into the European Union and overcome teaching history in recent conflict been considered as part of the Presidency?

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

I ask the Senator to repeat her question.

Senator Cecilia Keaveney

Recently, at the Council of Europe, I was tasked with compiling a report on how to teach history in areas of recent conflict. This issue arises in the context of the enlargement of the European Union and how we embrace new countries.It is not exactly about teaching a history of conflict but it is necessary to teach history to let people in each country understand each other. Has any thought been given to this in Slovenia? It is a big issue in both Northern Ireland and the Republic as we embrace a new political dispensation.

Does the Presidency intend to look at female representation in the parliaments that make up the European Community? In Ireland female representation at national level is not very high. It has been recognised in all the countries of the European Union that the input of both genders in decision making, at a political level and in other areas, is very important.

Senator John Hanafin

I, too, welcome the ambassador. It is a great honour for smaller countries such as Ireland and Slovenia to take the role of Presidency of the EU Council. My focus of interest is Kosovo and the impending difficulty in regard to the probable declaration of independence in the short term. It may be fortuitous that Slovenia holds the Presidency at this time because there are opportunities and pitfalls in the current situation. The biggest opportunity will lie in ensuring the Serbians see their future within the European Union and do not give a knee-jerk reaction. We had delegates from Serbia before the committee and they were adamant in their opinions. I welcome the recent election result and that the incoming president has a strong EU focus. It will be a difficult time and the role of Slovenia will be central, especially as it is a Balkan country. I urge the ambassador to take this message back with him.

It is a time of advancement within the European Union. New countries are ready to take their place, yet if there is a descent into a violent conflict, it could put them back by years. In many cases borders have become increasingly less important within the Union. Ireland is a case in point. Short-term knee-jerk reactions should there be a unilateral declaration of independence which would not have universal international recognition would be counterproductive, as would a declaration of independence knowing that there may be this reaction that could lead to a conflict.

Senator Déirdre de Búrca

I apologise for arriving late. I did not hear the ambassador's presentation but have looked at the notes. I congratulate the Slovenian Presidency on highlighting energy issues and climate change as being among the priorities for its Presidency. The publication by the Commission of the draft proposals for emissions reductions is certainly something at which Ireland is looking closely. The targets for reductions are often seen in a negative light and give rise to concerns about competitiveness, among other matters.

The link made between climate change and energy production is a good one because one of the ways we can meet our emissions reduction and energy targets is by beginning to develop the renewable energy sector within each of the member states. Ireland has rich renewable energy resources which we have not exploited to their full potential to date. The need for greater emphasis on the positive ways by which we can meet our emissions reduction targets through the development of a renewable energy sector and the creation of employment and economic opportunities is something the Slovenian Presidency has highlighted. I congratulate the ambassador on linking the two together and hope the Presidency will be able to get that message across to all member states.

Chairman

The ambassador received a broad response on various issues, including Kosovo, Serbia, climate change, Croatia and EU enlargement and Turkey. Slovenia is uniquely placed geographically to have a positive input in the negotiations with Serbia and Kosovo. Its Presidency comes at a pivotal time and should open up many avenues that will not be available to everyone else.

The issue of climate change, as mentioned by Senator de Búrca, is interesting. Everybody has a role to play in this area and one of the easiest things we can do is to reduce consumption. In a previous incarnation, in order to set myself an example, I decided to put that into practice, and discovered it is easily possible to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by at least 50%. I had no difficulty doing it in my house, especially in the area of heating. It was very easy. However, I have one worry. Economists, when they get together, usually see opportunities arising in every situation, and climate change is no exception. We in Ireland hope that countries in the throes of development, which we did not have for many years, would not see their development reversed as a result of some overall policy that was agreed internationally over our heads.

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

I thank the Chairman, Deputies and Senators for their many precise questions. I would like to commend this. I was here on 21 January last year together with my German and Portuguese colleagues to give a presentation. I am greatly honoured that the members put about 40 questions to me today, which is about four times the number of questions put to all three ambassadors a year ago.

I am glad the members are interested in EU issues. However, I would like to draw their attention to the fact that I am a bilateral ambassador and not an expert on the European Union. I will answer the specific questions as far as I can. Before I start answering I would like to introduce my colleague, Ms Lea Stancic, my counsellor and deputy. She is the only diplomat in the office besides me. Along with our Irish secretary, that is all we have for our Presidency. Members know what our capacity is. However, we are doing our best and we have done well so far.

I will start by answering the simplest questions. I apologise that because there are more than 40 questions and some are related, I was not able to write all of them down precisely. As the questions and commentaries were connected, the questions were not always very clear. However, I will start with the issue of women in parliament as I like this question. In Slovenia, and also in the UN, there has been much debate on this. There are many female Deputies in the Slovenian Parliament, but not so many Government Ministers — two out of five. Many women also hold high positions in business. For example, the second largest Slovenian bank has a female president. There are also many directors general and so on. We have always supported gender equality in Slovenia and we are very active in this regard. The governmental office for gender equality is active in the Council of Europe and the European Union. In view of this we also competed for the seat of the European Institute for Gender Equality about three years ago. In addition, Slovenia only has seven Deputies in the European Parliament, and two of them are women. That is a fairly good result.

Another question related to the air connection between Slovenia and Ireland. It is difficult to come to Slovenia from Ireland. One must travel all day. We have connections via London, Frankfurt, Brussels and Vienna. There is a direct flight from Slovenia to Ireland but only from the end of May to the end of September. It is operated by the Slovenian airline, Adria Airways. There is only one flight a week leaving on Saturday evening. Following the statistics on economic co-operation and the exchange in tourism, in June and July it accounted for 60% or 70% of all visits to Slovenia and outside Slovenia.

We were also discussing with Ryanair how to establish connections between Slovenia and Ireland. We have the two biggest international airports. We have three but members will know Ljubljana. Maribor, in the eastern part, is the second largest city in Slovenia. They were in talks with Ryanair to establish a direct flight between Maribor and Dublin but I was very surprised when the direct flight between Maribor and London was established. I was in favour of the direct connection with Dublin. When we were talking they said that if there was much interest in the first connection between Maribor and London they would consider the possibility of establishing the connection to Dublin. Aer Lingus are still in negotiation, as far as I know, but I hope we will be able to arrange a direct flight. When the Irish delegation is travelling to the meeting in Slovenia its members will lose one day making the trip there and another on the journey back, which is not convenient.

I will try to follow the questions and if I do not members might let me know that I have missed something. I cannot answer every question in a precise way but the former Minister of State for European affairs, Deputy Noel Treacy, is present and there are experts around me. Therefore, I can compare my knowledge with the extensive knowledge of others.

Many questions related to the Lisbon treaty and how Slovenia would advise Ireland. It appears Ireland will be the only country that will organise a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. As I mentioned, at the beginning of January my Prime Minister, Mr. Jansa, held a press conference and the 60 journalists accredited to Brussels came to Slovenia. One of the main questions related to the Irish referendum and reports on the meeting were published in The Irish Times. I am happy that this question was put to my Prime Minister and I will quote him.

The position of Slovenia in this regard is very clear. He said Slovenia, and he himself, would not interfere in the referendum process in Ireland and that the Irish voters know best how to vote on the Lisbon treaty. Ireland became a member of the European Community in 1973. It has had a number of referendums, one of which was repeated, and therefore the Irish people will know best how to decide on this issue. They do not need any advice from outside Ireland.

We organised a referendum on the European Union in Slovenia before we became a full member and a great majority voted in favour of the European Union. The discussions about the European constitution and, later, the Lisbon treaty were very vivid in academic circles, among journalists, in the parliament and in the government. The people were as interested in the discussion as here and elsewhere. At the end of the day we decided, like the majority of EU countries, that Slovenia can ratify the treaty in the parliament and that we did not need to organise a referendum to confirm it. Ireland is an exception but Ireland's position was always clear. It was clear in the negotiations following the constitution that it would have to organise a referendum. It was no secret; it was known to everybody who was following the issue that Ireland would have a referendum.

I will come now to the question about the negotiation process with Croatia and Turkey. Slovenia will have the Presidency for only six months. It is already February and the time is passing quickly. A sixth of our Presidency is over. We have inherited the agenda, and France, the Czech Republic and Sweden will also inherit the agenda from us. The negotiation process is continuing and Croatia and Turkey are also negotiating with other countries and within the institutions. We cannot influence this very much. We support the process. I do not believe we can do anything in it. We are in favour of the process and what was agreed in the European Union. We believe it is going the right way.

There was also a question relating to the western Balkan countries. Slovenia has always been engaged with the western Balkans. As part of the former Yugoslavia we have the expertise and the interest and we know the area. One of the Deputies said that Slovenia is the first country from behind the Iron Curtain to take over the EU Presidency. However, Slovenia was never behind the Iron Curtain. Yugoslavia was never a member of the Warsaw Pact. In the 1950s and 1960s we were able to travel around the world without visas because Yugoslavia was a member of the non-aligned countries. The neighbouring countries were in the pact and their people were limited in their ability to travel and leave their native countries.

Everybody followed the elections in Serbia in which the former President Tadic was elected. The EU and the Slovenian Presidency support the pro-European Union forces in Serbia. The political agreement for Serbia should be signed on 7 February. It is a substitute for the association agreement because there is no consensus regarding the Netherlands due to complaints about the Hague tribunal. Slovenia has organised several meetings and the Minister for Foreign Affairs in recent months met many high level Serbian politicians, including the Foreign Minister and politicians in Kosovo. There have been many talks. The talks are useful for the Presidency and for the exchange of views in the European Union. In addition, Slovenia is a candidate for the steering group for Kosovo. It is to be enlarged. We can help through our expertise on the region. It means there are many activities.

As the committee will be aware, the situation is so complex. It is not only the issue of the European Union, which is very important, but also if the countries in the western Balkans consider they have a clear European perspective, then it will be much easier to solve the whole question. There is also the UN Security Council, where there is a right of veto, etc., and there is the position of Russia and others in this. This is a complex question and I hope that we will bring our positive and small contribution in the direction of a permanent solution. However, it is difficult to predict what will happen after this independence will be declared. It is only a matter of speculation but I hope that with negotiation and talks, a good and permanent solution for this part of the world will be found.

There was a question about the confidence vote for the Prime Minister in November in the Parliament of Slovenia. The EU Presidency was approaching fairly quickly and, as the committee will be aware, Slovenia has a general election in October this year. When the elections approach there is always this danger in politics. It is normal in the Parliament. The Prime Minister wanted to see how strong was his support in the parliament. It also was a test of the coalition government at the time. His Government was confirmed and we are now proceeding with the Presidency.

Slovenia has a stable economy with economic growth rising. We have a slightly higher inflation rate than a year ago but it is not directly connected with the changeover to the euro in the past year.

The matter of climate change arose for many people in the spring last year, if the committee remembers, under the German Presidency. It was a surprise but not for the people who were following the Kyoto process and others. It became at once an important issue. Personally, I am happy that it is an important issue.

On what Slovenia can do during the Presidency, we have put this issue. The committee will be aware of what happened at the meeting on 23 January on the greenhouse effect. It was important. All countries were directed at this. There was willingness to discuss the matter and also to trading on the issue. That is important with big business and the different industries here.

I read the comment in the Irish press that many are not happy that Ireland should cut its emissions by 2020 by 20% because last year there was speculation that it should be approximately 30%. There are talks and it is progressing positively. As I mentioned previously, Slovenia put the question of climate change at an all-important meeting where there was much expertise and many meetings at the different levels. At both the Council in March and then in June, this is the issue on the agenda. It will be very important, I dare to say, for the next 20 presidencies of the European Union at least. This is a never-ending story because I do not believe that this question will be solved for all time.

Did Deputy Treacy ask about freedom of movement in Europe?

Deputy Noel Treacy

Does the ambassador propose a fifth freedom, a freedom of knowledge or information?

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

Yes, it is part of our plan. We are talking with the partners and connections, but I am not familiar enough with all the connections to be able to explain what meetings are being held.

Deputy Noel Treacy

Will the ambassador let us have a note on the proposal in his own time?

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

Of course, we will do so. I was also referring to freedom of movement and open borders, a system which is working well. The embassies of the Schengen countries have much work to do to meet the Schengen criteria, particularly technically.

There was mention of the Council of Europe. The teaching of history is very important. For that reason, I would like to avoid repeating well known phrases about who is writing history and how the state is doing so. Europe is now at a level where we will be able to write in a different context. Also, it is clear that in Europe children will be told the whole truth of history in perspective where they will see that Europe is at the start of a new future. People should know what happened, but they should learn from history and move forward. It is most important to look to the future.

I will check with my colleagues whether I have covered everything.

Chairman

The ambassador has done a very good job and it would be unfair of us to detain him any longer. We would like to spend more time with him, but there are other pressures on his time. I thank him for coming before the committee, giving so readily of his time and for the manner in which he answered questions. We wish Slovenia well with its Presidency. It is important for smaller countries in the European Union to show they can do the job just as effectively as larger countries. It is important also that the Union can show it has time and scope for smaller countries. In general, smaller countries have been progressive and supportive of the European concept. I again wish Slovenia well in achieving its targets for its Presidency. We look forward to working with it during that period. We thank the ambassador and Ms Stancic for being with us and look forward to meeting them again.

H.E. Mr. Franc Miksa

I thank the Chairman and members of the committee. We will provide the written answer requested by Deputy Treacy.

The joint committee went into private session at 3.10 p.m. and adjourned at 4.20 p.m. sine die.