. The position to which you have just elected me is a new one. One of the aims of the Lisbon Treaty is to bring more continuity and coherence to the work of the European Council of Heads of State and Government. The six monthly presidencies held by one country have the advantage of involving every one of the 27 Member States in the work of the Union. They have the disadvantage of lacking perspective. It is my firm intention to ensure that our work develops over the long-term. A perspective that goes beyond six months will allow us to be better organized where the major multi-annual dossiers are concerned, such as the financial perspectives and the Lisbon Strategy.
I also think that a "return to the roots" of the European Council could help us to discuss from time to time, in an informal and open way, the big questions of the European project. I'm thinking more specifically of the economic and social agenda, this in particular being urgent; of the environmental and energy challenges; and of our aspirations for greater security and justice for all our fellow citizens.
We are living through exceptionally difficult times: the financial crisis and its dramatic impact on employment and budgets, the climate crisis which threatens our very survival. A period of anxiety, uncertainty and lack of confidence. Yet these problems can be overcome by common efforts in and between our countries. 2009 is also the first year of global governance, with the establishment of the G20 in the middle of the financial crisis. The climate conference in Copenhagen is another step towards the global management of our planet. Our mission is one of hope, supported by acts and action.
I also think that a "return to the roots" of the European Council could help us to discuss from time to time, in an informal and open way, the big questions of the European project. I'm thinking more specifically of the economic and social agenda, this in particular being urgent; of the environmental and energy challenges; and of our aspirations for greater security and justice for all our fellow citizens.
We are living through exceptionally difficult times: the financial crisis and its dramatic impact on employment and budgets, the climate crisis which threatens our very survival. A period of anxiety, uncertainty and lack of confidence. Yet these problems can be overcome by common efforts in and between our countries. 2009 is also the first year of global governance, with the establishment of the G20 in the middle of the financial crisis. The climate conference in Copenhagen is another step towards the global management of our planet. Our mission is one of hope, supported by acts and action.
