The EU leaders also met with their counterparts from the applicant countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Cyprus to discuss a range of subjects, including drug trafficking and organized crime. The official conclusions of the Dublin European Council are available electronically through the EU's Europa server. According to EU Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan, who was instrumental in the meeting's successful outcome, the Commission's call to chart a course toward a Millennium Round received wide support both from developed and developing countries. In addition, the EU, the US and Canada agreed to accelerate Uruguay Round tariff cuts on brown spirits and to extend the Uruguay Round zero tariff deals to white spirits and liqueurs . It is hoped that Japan and others will also join soon.
Bigger countries have no problem attracting funds.
But many small and medium-sized countries need a secure legal environment to attract their fair share of investment capital. Still, while it is a step in the right direction, the Commission pointed out that the decision falls far short of a comprehensive solution to this difficult transatlantic issue. As the EU spelled out in its recent Common Position on Cuba and at the European Council summit in Dublin, it will continue to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a sustainable recovery and improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people. While US and EU tactics are clearly distinct, there can be no doubt that we share common goals. Though a long time in coming, the EU and Canada have signed a new Political Declaration, together with an Action Plan, which will serve as a template for closer political and economic ties.