Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the signing of the EU Accession Treaty in Athens on 16 April 2003

Today is a festive occasion - like a wedding. Everyday life will begin eventually, and just as in marriage, that is where joint happiness is built. We have to continue working together to make our enlarged Union better.

The Union must become stronger. The EU must effectively and successfully promote our citizens' security and well-being and serve as the protector of European interests in the international economy and international relations. The enlarging European Union will be an even more significant actor supporting the multilateral international system.

For Finland and Finns today our own eight-year-old membership is in a good sense an everyday state of affairs and a way to promote Europe's common interests and our national interests as part of them.

Union membership is both an opportunity and a challenge. From the first day of membership the entire nation and all its citizens belong to the Union. Membership is not limited to a small elite. The benefits of membership can best be utilized by a member which is prepared to participate in all of the community's activities from the moment it joins. The benefits of membership are indisputable, however. For a small country membership is a demanding task which requires persistence. Effective national preparation and the setting of priorities are the guidelines I would offer new members on behalf of Finland.

It is important for European economic growth that our economic union is built on a firm foundation and close economic policy cooperation. The efficiency of the single market depends on the member states within it. The enlargement of the EU offers us a unique opportunity to expand prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe.

Finland has strongly supported the enlargement of the European Union. In 1999 the European Council in Helsinki reached a decision to begin membership negotiations with six countries. The negotiation process had already started with six other countries.

Finland will continue to support the development of the new member states so that they can participate fully in the Union's activities as soon as possible. We consider it important to continue the enlargement process with those countries which are not signing the accession treaty today and with those countries whose membership perspective will improve over the slightly longer term.

Finland also considers it important to develop cooperation between the Union and its new neighbours. Transatlantic cooperation will remain a key part of the Union's external relations, not forgetting the Union's worldwide links.

Respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law form a key part of European integration. We share the same values and ways of doing things. Every country, small or large, has its responsibilities and its possibilities to influence matters.

The framework of cooperation in the enlarged Union will be shaped on the basis of the Convention's proposals at the next Intergovernmental Conference. It is important for our common European future to maintain and develop the Union's vitality.

Finland and Finns gladly welcome our new partners to the European Union.