On the occasion of the European Movement’s Federal Council in Brussels, the European Movement International organised a briefing for over 200 representatives of European stakeholders, EM members and the general public, examining the Portuguese and Slovenian presidencies following the European Council meeting in Brussels this Friday. 
The briefing, held at the Belgian Senate, Palais de la Nation in Place de la Nation, was opened by the European Movement’s president Mr Pat Cox, who warmly welcomed speakers from the Portuguese and Slovenian governments. Ambassador Fernando D’Oliveira Neves, Secretary General of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke first, addressing the results the Portuguese Presidency, notably the signing of the Lisbon Treaty, and the results of the European Council, particularly the outcome of the budget council and its importance for Galileo. He also discussed the EU’s global importance, its role in development, global governance and human rights, and the need for a joint strategy with Africa following the summit in Cairo.
Mr Bogdan Benko, Director-General for European Affairs and Bilateral Relations in the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, touched on Slovenia’s role as the first “new” member state to hold the EU presidency, and its rapid integration into the Eurozone and Schengen area. He outlined Slovenia’s priorities: ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, current challenges in the Western Balkans and the need for their integration into the Barcelona process.

Finally, Mr Gregor Krajc, Deputy Director of the Slovenian Government Office for European Affairs, spoke on the Lisbon strategy and the importance of national reform programmes and integrated guidelines, and lessening the red tape and procedures for SMEs in particular, announcing a probable conference in April 2008. He also highlighted the need to address the question of climate change within the framework of the Internal Market, while respecting the right of member states to control their own energy needs. 
The event was extremely well-received and the EMI plans to make this a bi-annual event, promoting good communication between presidencies.