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- NI:13 - 22 décembre 2008, Information Note (Unofficial Translation)
NI:13 - 22 décembre 2008, Information Note (Unofficial Translation)
The European Council held on 11-12 December 2008 in Brussels took place at the end of the French Presidency in a period of significant developments in the globe and in Europe.
During this period, the Georgian crisis has erupted and the economic crisis that has started in the US has gained a global dimension, affecting the world in the economic and social spheres. This period coincides with the transition to power of a new administration in the USA and a period where the new policies of the Obama Administration are awaited.
The global economic and financial crisis has rendered it necessary to strengthen the banking and financial sectors and to fight surging unemployment and shrinking job market in order to cope with its effects on the EU member states.
The fight against climate change has become a priority more than ever as its negative effects are felt increasingly in all facets of our lives. On the other hand, energy security continues to be a global topic of debate.
On the other hand, the fact that the Lisbon Treaty, which is closely related to the future of Europe, has not gone into effect as scheduled illustrated the challenges arising from the institutional difficulties of the EU in this sensitive period.
We attach importance to the decisions adopted at the December 2008 European Council, which was held under these circumstances.
Foremost among these is certainly the agreement on the climate change and energy package, which is expected to contribute significantly to the fight against climate change. We view this step as an important and encouraging development before the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.
We hope that the economic recovery plan, agreed by the EU leaders corresponding to 1.5% of the EU’s GDP (200 million Euros), will have positive repercussions for the EU economy.
On the other hand, our country is following closely the efforts to give a fresh momentum to the European Security and Defense Policy through a Declaration adopted during the Summit. In this context, new objectives set for the ESDP and the statements regarding non-EU European allies have been noted. We are continuing our evaluations regarding these issues.
The European Commission’s Declaration regarding the Eastern Partnership Initiative on 3 December 2008 was welcomed by EU leaders, who have stated their expectation to advance work towards this end. Turkey, which has close relations with the countries covered by this Initiative, will continue to follow closely this process with all its aspects.
Besides, we welcome the understanding of consensus reached during the European Council regarding the completion of the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of 2009. This is also important for the robust continuation of the enlargement process.
We find it important that the Heads of States’ endorsed a Declaration emphasizing that the Middle East Peace Process will continue to be an issue of priority in 2009. Turkey, as well known, supports the efforts to find a fair and long-lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of the vision of two-states living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Turkey’s initiatives regarding the Syria-Israel indirect peace talks that have been re-launched after an 8-year-break in May 2008 will continue.