EU Summit Might be Extended, Danish PM Says

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, December 12, 2002

EU Summit Might be Extended, Danish PM Says

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, whose country is holding the European Union (EU)'s rotating presidency, said on Wednesday that the upcoming EU enlargement summit might be extended one day or more from the planned two days.

In a letter to the other EU leaders to meet here Thursday, Rasmussen said that "the presidency is prepared to continue the meeting into the weekend" if it is proved to be necessary in order to achieve the anticipated results.

On the top of the agenda in the summit is to wrap up the longstanding enlargement talks between the EU and 10 candidates. But the negotiation is being overshadowed by last-ditch haggling over money.

The haggling mainly focuses on the demands of Poland and Malta,the largest and smallest EU applicants respectively, for more money; while Germany, the biggest net contributor to EU funds, refuses to give more than was offered at the October EU summit in Brussels.

Denmark, which has long hoped to conclude the enlargement talksduring its tenure, has been calling for the current members and applicant nations to show political willingness to settle the dispute.

"Hopefully, the meeting can be completed on Friday," said Rasmussen, warning that additional meetings might be necessary to ensure the success of the Copenhagen summit.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Danish Queen Celebrates 30 Years on the Throne

Danish FM Favors United Cyprus Membership in EU

China Issues White Paper on National Defense ( 11 Messages)

Archaeologists Revise Age of China's Civilization ( 4 Messages)

Top Planner on Main Economic Tasks for 1st 20 Years in New Century ( 4 Messages)

China Adopts Domestic Water Saving Devices National Wide ( 3 Messages)

Chinese Economy to Enjoy Bright Future ( 5 Messages)

Japan Covets Southeast Asia, Diplomatically and Militarily: News Analysis ( 9 Messages)