Finland, under the leadership of Matti Vanhanen, a European Liberal Democrat Prime Minister, will take the helm of the EU on 1st July. The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party wishes Matti Vanhanen a lot of success in this challenging task and hopes he will lift up the mood of EU leaders and citizens. Finland is a good example of implementing structural reforms leading to a successful modern economy. As President of the EU Council, Matti Vanhanen can play a key role in making the EU deliver concrete results. With their recent national experience, Finnish politicians can help make the whole of Europe more aware of the gains of globalization and address the tendency to look inward instead of outward.“I wholeheartedly support the agenda of the Finnish Presidency and am convinced that Matti Vanhanen will match his words with his deeds. When he presented his presidency programme to MEPs on 21 June, Matti Vanhanen told us he believes that the problems the Union faces today can be overcome. This is a view shared by all European Liberal Democrats. Under his leadership, I believe that the EU may be able to regain political will”, commented Annemie Neyts ELDR Party President.