Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Under an over-arching motto of "Europe Without Barriers," the Czech Presidency will focus on the economy, energy and the European Union in the world. Under the external relations umbrella, the Czech Presidency has identified three key priorities: the eastern partnership, transatlantic relations and Western Balkans-enlargement. The eastern partnership, which is part of the European neighbourhood policy, is a key Presidency priority. The Commission's communication of 3 December will form the basis for the Czech Presidency's efforts to move this initiative forward.

On Kosovo, the main task for the incoming Presidency will be to ensure that, following initial deployment of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX, on 9 December, it will be in a position to focus on the full implementation of its mandate. The Presidency will prioritise the accession negotiations with Croatia, which is aiming to complete its negotiations by the end of 2009.

In addition to addressing the issue of energy security, the Czech Presidency will have an important role to play in shaping the Union's continuing response to current extremely difficult global economic conditions. These events have underlined the value of European nations working closely together under the EU umbrella in order to protect our many shared interests.

I particularly look forward to co-operating with the Presidency in taking work forward on the legal guarantees on the Lisbon treaty committed to Ireland by the December European Council in response to concerns that surfaced during our referendum campaign. It is important that we finalise these guarantees to our full satisfaction in the coming months. The Czech Presidency is a fitting way to mark the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet system. I wish the Czech Government well for its Presidency and expect that it will discharge its responsibilities in an effective manner.

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