Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, together.

As I said in my last answer on European matters on 28 September, the Hampton Court Palace meeting would be an informal one. There was no formal agenda and as such it did not adopt formal conclusions. I did, however, receive a letter from the UK Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, in advance outlining his thoughts on what the meeting should discuss. The Prime Minister proposed that the theme of the discussion be the opportunities and challenges of globalisation. In this context, the discussion focused on the competitive challenges we all face from the rise of China, India and other emerging economies. The European Commission also delivered a report entitled European Values in the Globalised World.

At the meeting, I emphasised the need for the Union to take the competition from third countries into account when making and implementing EU policies, particularly in areas such as state aids. At the suggestion of the Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, we agreed that there needed to be further work in key areas such as research and development, the demographic challenge and the development of our universities, energy, security and immigration. The European Commission is to bring forward preparations over the coming months.

The meeting also approved statements in support of the victims of the south Asian earthquake, condemning the appalling remarks about Israel of the Iranian President and calling on the Syrian Government to co-operate unconditionally with the UN investigation into the assassination of the Lebanese Prime Minister. Overall, the meeting was a useful opportunity for the Heads of State or Government to have an open discussion about some of the key challenges facing the Union.

At Hampton Court Palace, I briefly met the outgoing Prime Minister of Poland, Marek Belka, and former German Chancellor, Gerhard Schröder at what was the last meeting of Heads of State or Government they would attend. I wished them both well for the future. I have not yet received an agenda for the European Council due to take place on 15 to 16 December.

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