The Irish Government was taking up the EU presidency today for the sixth time

The occasion was being marked by an EU flag-raising ceremony at Dublin Castle where premier Bertie Ahern will speak of his plans for the coming six months. “Our presidency occurs at an auspicious time for the European Union,” he said. “During the next six months it will grow from 15 member states to twenty-five – its largest single expansion. “We will mark this historic day here in Dublin with a major event to welcome our old friends and new partners into the European Union. “The EU plays a major role on the world stage. We intend to engage with our partners and ensure all interests and concerns are taken into account. “We will emphasise transatlantic relations in particular. We will also stress the importance of the world’s nations working together in the interest of effective international relations. A key priority for the Irish Government is to advance negotiations on a new constitution for the enlarged Union. Although EU leaders failed to agree new terms during the Italian Presidency, Foreign Minister Brian Cowen has said he will move to conclude negotiations “if the atmosphere is right.” The advancement of the EU’s Lisbon competitiveness strategy – which aims to transform the EU into the world’s leading knowledge-based economy by 2010 – will also be a focus over the next six months. Promoting economic growth, innovation and employment, fighting crime and developing common policies on asylum and immigration, as well as developing an EU foreign policy based on stronger ties with the United Nations, will all be areas worked upon during the Irish Presidency.