Tony Blair has told Europe it is time for Britain to develop a more positive relationship with the EU.

The British Prime Minister said the UK's presidency of the EU was a chance to show that Britain could play a constructive role in Europe.

Tony Blair and Jacques Santer on Euope's social policy (Dur: 2' 48")

His speech in London was welcomed by European Commission President Jacques Santer as a refreshing change in Britain's approach under the Labour government.

European Commissioners and British Government ministers are discussing the major challenges ahead during the UK's six-month presidency, which began on January 1.

Tony Blair: "It's a privilege to lead the EU"

Welcoming all 20 commissioners to London, Mr Blair said: "We want to work in very close partnership with the commission because there is an immense amount of work to do and it is important that we do it well."

The Prime Minister told Mr Santer that it was a "privilege" to conduct the EU presidency at such an important time.

EC President Jacques Santer

He said Britain would play a "constructive and good role" in overseeing crucial stages of the single currency, as well as steering the launch of detailed negotiations with eastern European countries bidding to join the EU.

In addition Britain's own priorities were to tackle job creation, the environment, the extension of the EU single market and to deal with external relations so that Europe was seen to play its role on the world stage.

Mr Blair insisted his Government had already forged a "good and close" relationship with the commission - and that would only be "strengthened and deepened" during the UK's term of office in charge of EU affairs.

Algerian misery

The European Commission also discussed the situation in Algeria during the visit to London, saying it could not remain inactive as massacres of civilians continue in the country.

Mr Santer said the EU had no intention of interfering in Algeria's internal affairs, but it could not stand by in the face of such atrocities.

Mr Blair, said nobody could be oblivious to such suffering and misery.

The Algerian government has rejected any outside intervention.
 

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