The next stage is to work for a stronger Union

Commentary feature by Paavo Lipponen, who was prime minister of Finland from 1995 to 2003, and chairman of the Finnish Social Democratic Party from 1993 to 2005. He outlines what is needed for the EU going forward if once the Treaty of Lisbon is ratified and comes into force. He discusses the role of the new post of President of the European Council.

He suggests that the most important role of the president of the European Council should be internal: to work with the members of the European Council and the president of the European Commission to prepare the agenda for European Council meetings. In this co-ordinating role he or she should have time to listen to the member governments and deal with possible problems as a troubleshooter.

ESO: Background information: Blair is the wrong man for EU job http://www.europeansources.info/record/blair-is-the-wrong-man-for-eu-job/

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