Austria is assuming the EU Presidency at an exciting and decisive time for Europe. The Union is about to implement two major projects which will determine the face of our continent in the 21st century:

Through the introduction of the euro, Europe is taking an important step towards economic and political union.

Through the enlargement of the Union, the foundation will be laid for stability and prosperity in a greater Europe.

The founding fathers of the European Community dreamed of a Europe without border checkpoints and foreign exchange offices, of a greater Europe able to overcome the profound east-west division of our continent. They were not taken seriously. But the historic opportunity has arisen for us to turn yesterday's dreams into tomorrow's reality.

The euro will enable Europe to take up the challenges of globalisation successfully. The single currency will improve the functioning of the internal market; it will help to secure employment; it will provide incentives for the market-oriented structural reforms needed to safeguard Europe's competitiveness; and it will increase the weight and influence of Europe within the global economic framework and strengthen the political cohesion of the Union. Ensuring the euro's successful introduction from January 1st, 1999, is an important concern for the Austrian presidency.

Austria shares almost half of its borders (1,300km) with four candidates for accession. Hardly any other country has as great an interest in the success of enlargement as Austria. If we want to secure the political stability and economic progress of our region nothing will serve this objective better than the integration of our neighbours into the EU. Given the number of candidates and the considerable disparity in economic development between the applicant countries and the Union, however, enlargement needs to be carefully prepared by our future partners and by the Union itself.

Hence, in parallel with the determined continuation of accession negotiations, the reform of the agricultural and structural policies of the EU, better known as Agenda 2000, and the reorganisation of the EU budget will be important tasks of our presidency. The Union will have to adjust its policies to the conditions prevailing in Europe and throughout the world and, at the same time, get into shape for the admission of new member-states.

The Union needs the support of its citizens to cope with these challenges.

Given an average level of unemployment which is still around 11 per cent, the creation of employment remains Europe's priority. For the first time, economic and monetary union as well as the 15 national employment programmes will be fully taken into account in the employment policy guidelines for 1999 to be adopted in Vienna.

The protection of the natural bases of life on our planet on a sustainable basis is another urgent concern. If the quality of life that EU citizens enjoy is to be maintained, an active environmental policy is indispensable.

Austria will strive for high environmental standards in the Union and advocate that Europe plays a leading role in negotiations on global environmental problems.

Internal security will also be among the priorities of the Austrian presidency. The Union will have to convince its citizens that open borders do not automatically entail a loss of security. To combat organised crime, illegal immigration and drug-trafficking, efforts will have to be made to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Union and its member-states. A special programme of action is to be submitted to the Vienna Summit.

The effective representation of the Union's global interests constitutes yet another challenge. We hope to extend and consolidate the close-meshed network of foreign relations. The situation in Kosovo and Bosnia as well as the Middle East peace process will continue to require Europe's special attention.

Fifty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we wish to give a clear signal for the strengthening of human rights.

Six months is a short time. None of the tasks outlined above can be dealt with in the short term. Hence, the success of a presidency hinges on close co-operation with its partners. We will seek their advice and work with them towards a strong and united Europe which serves its citizens well and enjoys their support.

Dr Wolfgang Schussel is Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs