Germany takes over EU presidency

   Germany has taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union, which now has two new members, Bulgaria and Romania. With the addition of Romania and Bulgaria the European Union's membership will grow to 27.

   German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who took part in celebrations in Bucharest to mark the expansion of the EU to 27 member states, spoke of the end of the historical division of Europe. The German minister is set to visit the Bulgarian capital Sofia later today. Meanwhile, Slovenia has adopted the euro, becoming the first former communist state to join the EU's common currency. "I will say right off: We won't work any miracles in these six months," said the Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

   Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to use Germany's European Union presidency in the first half of 2007 for a last-ditch effort to save the bloc's failed constitution while pushing forward on other key issues such as energy security.

   "Only a united Europe can tackle the challenges of globalization including international trade but also violence, terror and war," said Angela Merkel

   The German Chancellor said her government would focus on ways to resolve the constitution stalemate during its EU presidency to last until the end of June 2007.

   Germany will fight to revive international efforts for Middle East peace, relaunch the EU constitution and advocate a gentler form of globalization when it takes over the presidencies of the EU and the G8 Monday.

   Source: Deutsche Welle