BULGARIA
On 14 October 1999, the Prime Minister Ivan Kostov made a statement before the National Assembly regarding the European Commission's recommendations to open accession negotiations with Bulgaria
The Prime Minister asserted that this is a crucial moment for Bulgaria because it implies the initiation of an accession procedure and the narrowing of the wide gap between Bulgaria and the first-wave countries.
He expressed his content with the performance of the National Assembly and other state institutions in their efforts to harmonise Bulgarian legislation with that of Europe. Bulgaria had had to make tangible progress to meet the Copenhagen criteria, which the Prime Minister felt was now made. It is obvious that Bulgaria may not be capable of maintaining a highly competitive economy but Bulgaria does have a market economy. Bulgaria projects its prestige of a stable country, respecting the principles of democracy, rule of law and market economy.
Mr. Kostov pointed out that if Bulgaria had not been supportive of the EU and NATO during the Kosovo crisis the country would probably have been isolated from the process of accession to the European Union. Bulgaria was expected at that time to show solidarity and support and contribute to this action, without which the European Commission would not have reached its positive decision to start negotiations.
He then moved on to the important tasks and challenges that lay ahead for the country. Bulgaria has yet to build a strong and competitive market economy out of the present weak one (low incomes, low productivity, high prices, unsatisfactory quality) to meet European requirements.
The Prime Minister emphasised some of the more specific matters involved on the way to European accession. As there are texts in the constitution that provide against Bulgaria's accession to the EU, the National Assembly has to discuss amendments to the constitution to allow accession to take place. The government is also faced with the problem of the Kozlodoui nuclear power plant. The Prime Minister, however, insisted that Bulgaria have no alternative path.
The speed of Bulgaria's movement forward is becoming crucial for the survival of the country.
At the Economic Forum for Southeast Europe in Sofia on 18 October 1999, the Bulgarian President Petar Stoynov gave a speech presenting some of Bulgaria's concrete proposals for regional co-operation. The President began by expressing a wish for the Forum to give fresh impetus to the actual implementation of the Stability Pact for SouthEast Europe. He also hoped it would represent a concrete step in support of the Pact. The President outlined some of the reasons for welcoming the creation of the Pact for SouthEast Europe. Bulgaria was among the countries hardest hit by the war in Kosovo as well as by the unsettled situation in former Yugoslavia over the past ten years. Bulgaria's main trade route to Western Europe to which more than 60% of its trade is directed has been cut off, including via the Danube. However, despite huge losses and difficulties, Bulgaria never abandoned the reform process. Even at the height of the crisis, the process of privatisation and closure of the loss- making enterprises continued and the government has continued to seek alternative routes for the country's exports and options for containing the damage. Mr. Stoyanov emphasised his full support of the Pact's political philosophy based on the "help for self-help" principle. He subscribed to its integral concept of unity of the processes of regional security and co-operation, consolidation of the democratic institutions and promotion of the civil societies in the region as well as its reconstruction and comprehensive economic development in perspective. This, he said, "is the rationale in maintaining that the economic development and prosperity of the countries of south-eastern Europe is the main guarantee of the irreversibility and sustainability of the processes in question. The steady course of economic reform and the increase in the living standards of the nations in the region is their governments' primary task and their societies' main incentive for integration with the western part of Europe". Abiding by the Stability Pact's philosophy, Bulgaria has been maintaining intensive bilateral, trilateral and multilateral talks and consultations on key regional projects. As an advocate of the idea of the European Balkans, the President presented some of Bulgaria's concrete proposals: - the countries of south-eastern Europe to pool their efforts in the priority development of a modern infrastructure and communications in the region; in addition to the transport corridors, special emphasis should be placed on the air terminals, ports, roads, power lines, oil and gas pipelines; - to encourage investment by putting together a system of guarantees, involving the governments concerned but also the major world and European financial institutions and, clearly and primarily, private capital; - to promote trade by radically improving the structure and organisation of work of the border checkpoints through free trade agreements, by declaring duty-trade zones and promoting programmes geared to small and medium enterprises, particularly suited to the whole region; - To involve local companies and manufacturers in the reconstruction and development of the region in one way or another, as suppliers, contractors or subcontractors.
Finally, the President assured the Forum that Bulgaria would work towards the success of the Pact, to turn Southeast Europe into a zone of security and stability and an integral part of united Europe.
On 19 October 1999, the Prime Minister Ivan Kostov gave a speech to the Economic Forum for SouthEast Europe regarding the path for more effective regional co-operation.
The Prime Minister began his speech by mentioning the Commission’s recommendation to begin negotiations for accession to the EU. He expressed his belief that the European integration of Bulgaria was possible thanks to the development of regional co-operation, resolution of ethnic problems and the accelerated development of democratic institutions.
Mr. Kostov went on to outline the specific problems that lie ahead for the governments of SouthEast European countries, such as the question of how to best use their limited resources to resolve the problems of security and development.
The Prime Minister commented on the dynamics of the process of redistribution of capital, information and technological resources and the current significant disproportion between the movement of capital towards Central and Eastern Europe and towards the region of south-eastern Europe. It is clear that there is a regional problem with investment deficiency. In this respect, he reduction of regional investment risk and the increase in investment capacity is of vital importance.
The Prime Minister appealed for a joint regional approach to manage this risk. The countries in the region should unite their efforts to create a regional system for the early diagnosis of crises and for the design, proposal and implementation of infrastructure projects in particular the construction of cross-border infrastructure.
Companies, and in particular the large-scale private entrepreneurs, should be encouraged to develop strategies for regional development. The companies can and have to be interested in building regional business networks aimed at the realisation and placement of their produce, including to third markets.
An expression of Bulgaria's resolve to move unwaveringly in this direction is the signed agreement for free trade with Macedonia. Bulgaria has a similar regime with Turkey and Romania and the EU association agreement is valid for trade relations with Greece.
Mr. Kostov talked about the importance of defining the role of governments and companies - the construction of the so-called “soft infrastructure” concerned with the harmonisation of legislation, the limitation of corruption and bureaucracy, the levelling out of the conditions for business. In addition to this, the government has also undertaken the approach to gradually ease the tax burden. As from the year 2000, there will be a further 2% reduction in profit tax.
In the context of common regional interests and the European integration process, Mr. Kostov talked about the need of the countries in the region to synchronise their actions and undertakings in relation to individual projects, including through the provision of direct and indirect guarantees outside the national segment of the project. There is a need for the mobilisation of internal resources, including regional resources. The international financial institutions have to be asked to design regionally oriented packages of services, which will include specific instruments for influencing economic agents. The Prime Minister stated that he realises that
financial assistance from the international financial institutions from the developed states may play the role of catalyst at the first stage of renewal, but is hardly a basis or long-term factor for development. There is a need, in parallel with the expenditure of state resources, for the implementation of projects to create interest and attract private investment and companies in the region.
Mr. Kostov concluded his speech by stating the necessity to define the regional framework of economic co-operation - a formulation of the priorities for development through regional projection of national programmes for development. The regional framework will be the main instrument for the rapprochement of economic strategies and their harmonisation on the basis of the European model of integration.
The Prime Minister Ivan Kostov made a statement at the Summit of CEFTA countries in Budapest, 19-20 October 1999 covering aspects of CEFTA membership for Bulgaria and proposals for further trade liberalisation
The Prime Minister began by outlining the two most important aspects of CEFTA for Bulgaria. The first aspect relates to the economic implications of the Agreement and their importance in the adaptation of the economic potential of the CEFTA countries to the conditions of a competitive environment. Free access to the CEFTA countries’ sizeable market is of particular importance for Bulgarian manufacturers and particularly for the private sector, which generates over 63-64% of the GDP.
Currently Bulgaria’s annual trade with the CEFTA countries accounts for 430 to 480 million US dollars which makes up 5.4% of the country’s total trade.
Bulgaria has followed a consistent policy of maximum trade liberalisation. A series of restrictions were removed over the past year, including export and import fees, export bans and the customs service fee. The registration regime for agricultural products and foods was lifted on 1 January 1999. From 1 January 2000, metals, textiles and fuels cease to be subject to this regime. Bulgaria is planning that the customs duties, which are now averaging 16.2% of the customs tariff for all goods, go down in 2001 to 12.8%.
The second aspect of CEFTA membership relates to the processes of integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. The agreements reached on trade liberalisation between the member countries provide the groundwork for the economic actors to gradually increase competitiveness and to gain experience in the rational resource allocation. Possibilities are provided to recover and further promote traditional trade relations in the new economic reality.
In view of the two strategic aspects of CEFTA membership as stressed above, the Prime Minister urges for a timely, honest and sober assessment to be made of the problems that arise from trade liberalisation, more specifically in the area of agricultural and technical trade. He also urges for the negotiation of faster agreements on the mutual recognition of certificates and probing tests.
He expressed Bulgaria's readiness to join preparations for a specific schedule and to participate in bilateral negotiations by the end of this year. He noted Bulgaria’s readiness to co-ordinate the review of the country’s obligations in the field of public procurement.
Regarding the CEFTA countries’ multilateral co-operation, it would be appropriate, in Mr. Kostov´s view, for the CEFTA countries to come up with an agreed position at the forthcoming new round of WTO negotiations as a precondition for a more efficient protection of their common interests.
In the concluding part of his speech, the Prime Minister brought to the attention of the participants the idea that CEFTA should express its opinion on the integration of the countries from South-East Europe and on the manner in which this integration will be accomplished.
On 4 November 1999 the Foreign Minister Nadezda Mihailova visited the Netherlands
Foreign Minister Mihailova met up with representatives of all parliamentary groups and members of the committees on foreign policy, defence and European affairs. She attended a round-table discussion of Bulgaria's economic development within the framework of the Global Panel annual meeting. Addressing dozens of business people from the Netherlands and the other EU countries, she talked about the advantages of investing in Bulgaria and stated that in business the confidence inspired by Bulgarian policies translates as a considerable rise in investment.
Business representatives showed a marked interest in aspects of the investment climate and said they were ready to establish contacts with the Bulgarian Government and business circles. Addressing an international conference in The Hague, Minister Mihailova stated that the Bulgarian Government is determined to follow the road to membership of the European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
She delivered the keynote report at the conference marking the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The idea to turn Europe into a place where all countries share a common vision for the future of the continent and Bulgaria's reunion with the European family were the highlights of Mihailova's address.
She spoke about the efforts to develop democracy in Bulgaria and reform the national economy in the last two and a half years. She stressed that due to this policy the basic preconditions - working democratic political system, respect for basic human rights, working market economy and proven capability to stand by international commitments - have been provided for Bulgaria to enter the last phase of the institutional accession to the organisations of modern European civilisation.
Minister Mihailova said that the priorities of the economic policy of the country are oriented towards meeting the economic criteria for EU membership. The economic goals of the Bulgarian Government up to the year 2001 are to step up structural reforms in the enterprise and state- financed sector, to achieve tangible and lasting economic growth and to improve living standards.
Her address placed emphasis on Bulgaria's policy in South-East Europe. It is a policy aimed at promoting confidence and establishing European standards in inter-state relations. Avoiding the risk of isolation of South-East Europe, domination of ethnic and political conflicts and economic backwardness requires a consistent and comprehensive international strategy for development of the region.
Minister Mihailova voiced the firm belief of the Bulgarian side that it is imperative to step up the implementation of the Stability Pact for South-East Europe and solve the problems in the economic development of the region as a whole. She briefed the participants of the Forum on the Bulgarian projects, which match the philosophy of the Pact and comply with the EU priorities for transport corridors. She highlighted the importance of Trans-European Corridor 4 linking Central Europe with Bulgaria, Greece and Macedonia via a second cross-Danubian bridge at Vidin and Calafat and described the project as "the European link in the Balkans".
Nadezhda Mihailova further said that the government is determined to contribute to the expansion of the democratic space in South-East Europe and to its transformation into a zone of security and stability that will be an inseparable part of united Europe.
On 11 December 1999, the Prime Minister Ivan Kostov made a statement before the European Council Summit in Helsinki.
He expressed his thanks for the invitation extended to Bulgaria to open EU accession negotiations. He noted that this invitation represents an historic event. He expressed his belief that the invitation is a result of Bulgaria's efforts for reform and recognition of the Bulgarian transition’s success as well as of Bulgaria's efforts in the pacification and security of South-East Europe.
He went on to talk about the possible effects negotiations for membership will have on public opinion and the projects that should be concluded in parallel with the start of negotiations in order for the Bulgarians to feel the positive effects of the new relations with the European Union.
Mr. Kostov mentioned that in the course of two years Bulgaria has brought to successful completion a whole ambitious programme in legislation and harmonised it with European law vis-à-vis emigration, refugees and civil registration. It has concluded readmission agreements with all EU member countries that were willing to. It has put in place a border and customs regime under which Bulgaria does not create an emigration risk, but is already a barrier to the illicit migration of others to EU member countries. That is why, the Prime Minister stressed, Bulgaria now expects that the European Union should subject Bulgarian citizens to the same visa regime applied to other countries conducting negotiations.
Secondly, he emphasised that it is possible and extremely necessary to begin the investment projects under the Stability Pact. Investment under the Stability Pact should be earmarked primarily to infrastructure projects and small and family businesses in the mixed regions of South-East Europe that have the highest levels of unemployment. Bulgaria looks forward to the
re-establishment of free navigation along the river Danube as well as to the construction of another bridge on the Danube on Trans-European Corridor 4.
Mr. Kostov concluded by saying that the implementation of those projects will boost the support of the Bulgarians for the integration process and will show the Union’s potential and good intentions.
In Parliament on 14 December 1999, Prime Minister Ivan Kostov briefed MPs on the results of the European Council meeting in Helsinki. The invitation, said PM Kostov, marks the beginning of a long and difficult road, with national consensus being the most powerful instrument for negotiations with the EU.
Prime Minister Ivan Kostov said Bulgaria could complete accession negotiations in 2006 or a bit later. The European Commission expects negotiations with Bulgaria to continue longer, as it is convinced that the country will have difficulties building a capacity to cope with competitive pressures and market forces in the EU in the medium term.
Talking about the biggest challenges of the negotiations, he singled out the need to give convincing proof those Bulgaria respects the nuclear safety of its neighbours and the European countries. It will have to invest heavily in environmental protection. The functioning of the currency board is a decisive factor in joining the economic and monetary union and meeting the Commission's requirements, Ivan Kostov said. The country must cope with the delay in its economic development. The reduction of the external debt-GDP ratio will pose difficulties.
Bulgaria expects the EU to provide grant aid for economic restructuring and further financial support for its balance of payments. After the start of negotiations, Bulgaria can expect faster economic growth, a pick-up in investment and appreciation of Bulgarian assets, capital and land. Candidate country status gives better guarantees for national security and for a gradual increase in the free movement of people, goods and capital to and from the country.
Mr. Kostov emphasised that the National Assembly will decide when to debate and agree on the issue of amending the Constitution with regard to the right of foreigners to buy arable land, the right of municipalities to set local taxes, the magistrates' immunity and the existence of parties established along ethnic lines.
Ivan Kostov stated that after a public debate Bulgaria should work out its negotiating position in the best interests of all Bulgarians. Talks with the EU are likely to start in February, he said, adding that Bulgaria is ready to negotiate on 15 out of 31 chapters. According to him the creation of a central and local administration enforcing the acquis communautaire is a great challenge.
ESTONIA - Mise à jour 2
On the 9th of July 1999 the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Germany, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were meeting to exchange views, and produced a common statement.1
They all agreed on that all the applicant countries, which fulfil the Copenhagen criteria, should be invited to begin the substantive accession negotiations. The importance of the Northern Dimension were also mentioned and stressed that this co-operation were to continue as a long-term strategic Baltic Sea region co-operation. The past years bilateral economic progress were welcomed by all the ministers, but also stressed that the environment for private economic actives should be improved, for that purpose the Council of Baltic Sea States, Baltic Sea Chambers and Commerce Association could be helpful.
The Estonian president, Lennart Meri, on the meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the countries holding the EU Accession negotiations on the 11th of October 1999.2
Mr. Meri strongly merits the conclusions of the ministers meeting, between the EU Accession negotiations countries. The conclusions were that for them it is very important to have fixed dates and fixed criteria to operate with. Also Mr. Meri pleas for a fair IGC 2000, which will provide a fair EU without the possibility t have A, B or C member, but a Union where all member states, and the all citizens will be equal.
On the 5th of November 1999, the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, made a speech at the conference, "Estonia and the European Union".3
A membership of EU will for Estonia also mean a stronger foreign policy where Estonian attitudes will be a part of a leading foreign policy. The CFSP will also be preventing the post-cold-war crimes such as terrorism, corruption, economic collapses, mass migration and ethnic strife. If the EU will manage to control these crimes, it will make the EU, via the CFSP, play a stronger role in Europe and the rest of the world, and spread stability and security. Which all is in European and Estonian interest. Becoming a member of EU, the diplomatic network of Estonia will be extended, so that the Estonians always will have the possibility to find them an embassy, which will bring in an international view to Estonia, now having access to a larger international network.
1 Source: http://www.urm.lt/new/official/990903.htm 2 Source: http://www.president.ee/eng/e_statements.html 3 Source: http://www.vm.ee/eng/pressreleases/speeches/1999/11.05.CFSP.htm On the 25th of November 1999, the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, addressed Riigikogu, the Estonian Parliament, on the main foreign policy priorities of Estonia.1
Mr. Ilves states that the most important long-term foreign policy for the Estonian government is to guarantee the national security, whereas the short term foreign policy tasks is to fulfil the association talks successfully with the EU and become member. The high priority of defence and security policy means that there will need to be an increased spending on the defence budget up to 2% of the GDP. Next to that comes the wish to be part of NATO, and maintain active participation in NATO and UN operations. In order to do that Estonia will need to implement NATO-statutes in a high pace. Concerning the EU enlargement, Estonia is aware of their problems in the public sector. It is not efficient enough, and also it will not manage to ensure the Internal Market of EU. The specific areas where Estonia needs to pay extra attention will be in the areas of market- and financial control plus fisheries and agriculture. On the top of that comes the implementation of EU-legislation, which have been in a slow move the last year in Estonia, which is also going to be a problem, since it will not be possible to prove EU-legislation just the months before the accession, Mr. Ilves states.
On the 14th of December 1999, the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, were giving a speech to the Swedish Institute for International Affairs, on "Estonia as a Nordic Country".2
Mr. Ilves is appealing to the coming colleagues in EU, to start forgetting their old prejudices about the former communist countries, and start to cope with the facts instead of old myths. It counts in all areas ranging from corruption, where Estonia today is less corrupt than some EU member states. It is also in the area of racism, where OSCE judge it to be needed to observe In Estonia, and for instance not in any of the Scandinavian countries, where there might be areas of problems. There is a gap between the minds of the former Soviets and Western Europe, due to the fact that the development of Western Europe were slow and incremental, whereas the developments happening in e.g. Estonia have either been very hectic or static. Therefore it has been hard for the Estonians to accept the lengthy procedures of EU, because for Estonians development is equalised with hectic tempo.
On the 15th of December 1999, the Estonian president, Lennart Meri, held a speech to the EU ambassadors accredited to Estonia.3
Mr. Meri takes the opportunity to thank the EU leader for providing a higher security in the EU area, by taking its security responsibility on its own shoulders. The extended enlargement talks have shown that EU is not only a Christian club. The welcome to Turkey were positive, the invitation to the other applicant countries were also positive, and will help the reforms come through in the new developed democracies since the EU has shown its commitment to include them all. Finally is Estonia grateful for the help it is getting to reform its relative weak agriculture sector.
1 Source: http://www.vm.ee/eng/pressreleases/speeches/1999/Riigikogu_25.html 2 Source: http://www.vm.ee/eng/pressreleases/speeches/1999/Ilves_stock1412.html 3 Source: http://www.president.ee/eng/e_speeches.html?DOCUMENT_ID=3839
On the 9th of February 2000, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Mart Laar, was speaking at the University in Luxembourg, under the headline "Small can also be great".
Mr. Laar do not see Estonia having a size problem when entering the EU, they have always been small and are therefore used to compete and bring the best in order to survive. Estonia is working hard to prepare it self for the EU membership, which is also reflected in the daily runned civil service. In order to prevent corruption and misuse of public money, every Kroon (the Estonian currency) have to be published on the Internet. The environmental issue is also of high priority to the Estonians, and opposite to Lithuania, who unfortunately bought atomic reactor from Russia (the same type as in Tjernobyl), the Estonians have got relatively modern energy supplies. The Minority theme is strongly debated on Estonia, but Mr. Laar is less concerned, and takes it as a good sign that on the other side of the border a majority of the Russians wants to become Estonians. Thinking back on the realities after the occupation from the Soviets, Estonia were a population of locals and colonists, which did not like each other. Today they have moved from hate to co-operation, and that via honesty and always saying what each part wants, and expects. On the IGC 2000, Estonia wants that it happens, and hopefully in Nice. Also, they hope to see fixed criteria they need to fulfil and which does not change and finally to see a fixed date. Mr. Laar was asked why the Baltic States do not join EU together, instead of individually. The answer was that the three countries are three different countries, three different cultures, which more or less only had the Soviet occupation in commen. Besides that the countries are on three different stage in their development into a modern democratic state. The Russian attitude towards NATO- and EU-Membership is an issue of importance, but first the Russians were reluctant and strongly against until the position (the same as they have towards Polish, Czech & Hungarian NATO-membership) when they get to a state of silent acceptance.
The Estonian position on the IGC 2000.
The Estonian position is awaiting the IGC process, and is not concerned with the technical details. For Estonia it is very important that the IGC 2000 agenda will be narrow and only be on the Amsterdam leftovers, so that there will be a realistic chance to end it by the end of 2000. The main points of the Estonian position will be that there needs to be natural balance between the institutions and between large and small member states. To have each member state represented in all the institutions, is also one of the Estonian priorities. The expansion of majority voting is having the full support from Estonia as long as the fundamental nature of the Union only will be changed by unanimity.
On the 14th of February 2000, the Association Council between EU and Estonia had their 3rd meeting.1
In general there was only satisfaction with Estonia's position, and the Estonian National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis, which just had been adopted in a revised version by the Riigikogu, the Estonian Parliament. Estonia is still fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria, has a functioning market economy and is expected to be able to handle the higher competition in EU, provided that they will complete the remaining structural reforms. The structural reforms which still need to be taken care of are the restructuring of the Oil-shale sector, finalisation of the pension and health reforms, acceleration of the privatisation and strengthening of the supervision of the financial sector. Concerning the implementation of the acquis, there is hardly anything to mention, apart from the customs law, which at times has been slowly implemented, and further efforts will be needed on this area. The agricultural area is in a very good pace, preparing itself in a god way for the enlargement, and the Estonian agricultural market is already opened for other countries products and becoming used to the competition. The bilateral relations and trade with the other EU member countries have improved over the years, just as the WTO membership is a positive sign for the Estonian international network. Estonia is also contributing to the regional security and stability via their work done in the Baltic Sea States.
1 Source: http://www.president.ee/eng/e_interviews.html?INTERVIEW_ID=91 LATVIA1
On May the 14th 1999, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Dr. Valdis Birkavs, published the article “Latvia seeks to reconcile the past with a multiethnic future” in the International Herald Tribune.
The Foreign Minister, Dr. Valdis Birkavs, asserted that people of the Baltic States can have great sympathy for recent events in Kosovo, because they were also in the clutches of powers driven by a nationalistic myth. In 1943, “Letts made up more than four-fifths of Latvia’s population, but through deportations and ethnic cleansing, their numbers were reduced to about half of the inhabitants”. Mr. Birkavs stated that his country was making a huge effort of recovering from “ethnic engineering”. In this context, social integration was a top priority for Latvia. The Foreign Minister draw readers’ attention to the recent decision of Latvian government to extend citizenship to post-war immigrants, highlighting that it was warmly welcomed by the European Union. Mr. Birkavs is convinced that the enlargement of the EU and NATO will facilitate the integration process in Latvian society. Due to Mr. Birkavs, “once membership is perceived as irreversible, non-citizens residing in Latvia will want to be included”. Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out that as long as the Baltic States are left to fend for themselves on the frontier of Europe, not yet full members, Russia will continue to sow doubts about the security of their future. That is why, Latvia is aspiring to become EU member as soon as possible. Mr. Birkavs highlighted that the anchoring of the Baltic States in EU should not depend on the speed of Russian reforms. Latvia and Russia need to follow Czech and German examples by putting the past behind them to create a new footing for bilateral co-operation. To realise that, Russia must first recognise Soviet crimes. Latvia is assembling an international historical commission that will address questions relative to crimes against humanity in the 1940s. As regards to Russian attitude, Latvian Foreign Minister is convinced that it is time for Russian leaders, who speak of Russia as part of Europe, to exhibit a spirit of reconciliation, to admit past mistakes and crimes in order to support Latvia’s efforts of creating united, multiethnic communities.
1 Source: http://www.mfa.gov.lv/ On June the 6th 1999, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assesses positively the Conclusions of the Cologne European Council.
As the future EU Member State, Latvia welcomes the decisions of the Cologne European Council and considers these decisions being of great and far-reaching significance for the future development of the European Union. Latvia pays particular importance to the Declaration on Strengthening the Common European Policy on Security and Defence, the Common Strategy on Russia, the Declaration on Kosovo, the adoption of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, the adoption of the guidelines for a ‘Northern Dimension in EU Policy’ and the intention to convene an Intergovernmental Conference early in 2000. Latvia appreciates the conclusions of the Council on the enlargement process and the importance attached to the prospect of accession for applicant countries with which negotiations are not yet under way, but will be open on the basis of the criteria established by the Copenhagen European Council. As far as the quality of reforms should be the only precondition for the entering into accession negotiations, Latvia believes that the continuity and sustainability of its reform process and its current achievements are sufficient to start the accession negotiations between Latvia and European Union by the end of 1999.
On the 11th of June 1999, the session of the Northern Dimension Working group of Latvia took place
The Northern Dimension Working Group of Latvia chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Valdis Birkavs discussed its activities and further functioning prospects. Reporting on the consultations of the Latvian side on issues of the Northern Dimension with Russia, Sweden, Germany and the European Commission members of the Working group assessed general results of the consultations as positive. These inter-state consultations are to be continued. Other countries involved in the Northern Dimension projects evaluated active involvement of Latvia as a positive example, as Latvia is the first Central and Eastern Europe country to found a governmental working group. Latvian officials are convinced that it has facilitated making of Latvia’s interests and elaboration of further action strategy. Members of the Group acknowledged that cross-border regional co-operation must play considerable role in elaboration of the North Dimension practical projects thus more involving local governments of Latvia. At the same time more active participation of private business representatives in discussion of the ND project must be promoted. The Working Group also discussed the documents on the Northern Dimension adopted by the European Union. Guidelines for the Northern Dimension in EU adopted at the Cologne European Council had been positively evaluated at the meeting. Swedish Ambassador, Ms. Helen Odmark attend the session of the Group to present her country’s activities of explaining ND topical issues to the European Union Member States and the European Commission. Both sides discussed the possibilities of using existing negotiation mechanisms, such as mechanisms set up in the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, to solve issues relative to the Northern Dimension projects. On the 16th of June 1999, the 2nd meeting of the EU-Latvia Association Committee took place in Riga.
The EU-Latvia Association Committee was set up under the EU-Latvia Europe Agreement, which entered into force in 1998, and comprises representatives from the European Commission, the EU Member States and the Latvian Government. Its purpose is to review all aspects of the EU-Latvia relations and to prepare for the ministerial level Association Council that meets once a year. The last meeting focused on Latvia’s preparation for accession and specifically on the implementation of Latvia’s Accession Partnership. The discussions covered issues relative to the integration of minorities, the draft Language Law, public administration reform and bilateral trade in agriculture. The EU delegation was headed by Ms Catherine Day, Director for relations with Central Europe in DG I A at the European Commission. The Delegation noted a solid progress in Latvia’s alignment with EU legislation in key areas such as industrial and intellectual property, state aids and competition, as well as in alignment of technical regulations and standards. The EU delegation appreciated Latvia’s considerable efforts in the area of customs and tax administration, however, it stressed the need for progress in the implementation of public administration reform with a view to preparing the Latvian administration for EU membership. The Delegations reviewed the status of economic reforms in Latvia, including the restructuring of certain sectors, privatisation and the investment climate. Both delegations highlighted the importance of continuing and deepening of bilateral co-operation and trade relations. In particular both sides recognised the need to work together in the framework of the Europe Agreement in the agricultural field and agreed on the need for further consultations on Latvia’s recent decision to introduce safeguard measures for pork.
In August 1999, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Dr. Indulis Berzins, issued the article “Baltic Way in the future”
The minister opened its article by saying that the three Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - are back to the Europe they were cut from with the signature of Molotov- Ribbentrop Pact on the 23d of August in 1939. After becoming independent, the three countries have done huge efforts of reforms and therefore they are considered as success story in Eastern Europe. The three Baltic States are developing neighbourly relations with North-Easter European countries enhancing the importance of this region for the co-operation in Europe. Referring to the co-operation between the Baltic States the Latvian Foreign Minister stressed its uniqueness. The three countries set up the co-operation’s agenda. The main issues concern their integration into international organisations and the creation of a common economic and information area to guarantee the security of the Baltic States. The Baltic States are united by their common objective of accession to the European Union. Mr. Berzins considers that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are successful in accomplishing their “home work”, despite of the relatively bad position in the beginning as compare to other Central and Eastern European countries. The Latvian Foreign Minister stressed the importance for the three Baltic States of not being late in integrating Europe. In the aim to promote the stability of this region, all the Baltic States might be invited to participate in accession negotiations as soon as possible. As regards the security of the Baltic countries, Mr. Berzins stressed its indivisibility. The close co-operation in the military field must strengthen the defense capacities of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The three countries aspire to integrate NATO and they are taking part in peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Kosovo. Mr. Berzins pointed out an improvement in Latvia-Russia co-operation, in particular at the regional level and on the question of common borders. International organizations, such as Council of the Baltic Sea States, provide a useful framework for Latvia-Russia co-operation. Latvian Foreign Minister is convinced that Russia might be interested in seeing the Baltic States part of the European Union and of NATO, as it will facilitate the developing of relations between Russia and the Baltic countries at international and regional levels. The Baltic States’ integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures and their co- operation are going hand in hand. The three countries are sharing cultural and historic experience, and they are committed to promote the Baltic region inside the Europe. Today’s Baltic way consists not only in fighting for more freedom and demonstrating the unity of the three countries. Today’s Baltic way consists in dynamic development and deepening of co-operation for the good of the whole Europe.
On September the 3rd 1999, took place the meeting of Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian and German Foreign Ministers.
The 3rd September, in Tallinn took place the fourth annual political consultations between Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian and German Foreign Ministers (“3+1”). During the meeting, issues relative to EU enlargement, regional co-operation and trade were discussed. German Foreign Minister Joseph Fischer stressed the importance his country attaches to the rapid integration of the Baltic States into the European Union. The Minister also affirmed German support to inviting Latvia and Lithuania to take part in accession negotiations.
On September the 9th 1999, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Indulis Berzins visited Brussels
During his visit to Brussels on the 9th of September, the Latvian Foreign minister met the Chairman of the EU Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Mr. Elmar Brok, the Chairman of the EU-Latvia Joint Parliamentary Committee Mr. Alfred Gomolka, as well as the EU Commissioner Mr. Hans van den Broek. Mr. Berzins urged European Parliament officials to support Latvia’s efforts to open the European Union accession negotiations. Mr. Brok and Mr. Gomolka were optimistic about the prospects of Latvia to be invited for the negotiations, although they could not foretell the opinion of the EU Commission. The Commission’s position will be presented in its regular report on Latvia to be published on October the 13th. European Parliament officials and Latvian minister also discussed involving Russia in closer co-operation with EU and the role to be played by the Baltic countries in these efforts. Mr. Berzins informed the Parliamentarians on the present situation regarding the Language Law, stressing that Latvia needs a carefully elaborated law, promoting integration of the society. During the visit Mr. Berzins signed the decision of the EU-Latvia Association Council on regulations and terms of participation of Latvia in research, technological development and result demonstration programmes, as well as research and training programmes. EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek gave a confirmation to Mr. Berzins that also this year, like in previous years, regular report of the Commission and recommendations on the associated countries will be based on objective (Copenhagen) criteria. As regards the prospects of Latvia to receive an invitation for active accession negotiations, the Commissioner noted that before conclusion of regular report it would be untimely to give hundred percent guarantees to any of the countries. Nevertheless Mr. Broek expressed hope that the report could confirm positive movement of Latvia and give a foundation to confirm in Helsinki the decisions adopted in Vienna. During the meeting with Latvian Foreign minister, EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek also pointed out the “sensitive issues” which would require particular attention: competitiveness in market economy environment (including ability to control complicated situations – for example, impact of the Russian crisis), ensuring administrative capacity, correspondence to political criteria.
On September the 10th 1999, the President of Latvia, Mrs. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, gave a speech at the Summit meeting of the participant countries of the international conference “Baltic-Black Sea co-operation: to the integrated Europe of the 21st Century free of dividing lines”, Yalta.
Mrs. the President began her speech by comparing Yalta in 1945, the place of partition of Europe, to Yalta in 1999 hosting sovereign States aspiring for EU membership. Mrs. the President highlighted that a Europe free of dividing lines was no longer an idealistic dream, but a practical necessity, an “inescapable precondition to peace, stability and civilisation”. Latvian President stated that Europe of the 21st century would be a Union freely entered by equal and sovereign States. It will be a Europe in a continuing process of expansion, which has already encompassed the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Mrs. Vike-Freiberga characterised the European enlargement as a unique process bringing nations together on the basis of shared values and the principles of democracy. Latvian President is convinced that there is a need to enlarge and consolidate the area of stability and development on the European continent. To achieve this goal, the Europe of tomorrow must enclose in its purview the countries of the Black Sea region. The tragic events in former Yugoslavia have proved the urgent need for more co-operation and constant interaction between European Nations. Latvian President pointed out the danger of isolating a country. Mrs. Vike-Freiberga asserted that the perspective of European integration has provided a remarkably strong motivation for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. It also has facilitated changes in their societies. This unique opportunity might be used to the maximum extent. Even if the decisions taken by the governments of these countries with view to access to the EU are not always appealing or popular, they do provide a clear model of development in a long-term perspective. Concluding her speech, Mrs. Vike-Freiberga affirmed that the process of European integration was not only about structures and institutions, however important they might be, but firstly about the ability of politicians to work together, the ability of various sub-regions of Europe to enhance their mutual co-operation. Due to Latvian President, there can only be one criterion to the integration – the existence of shared democratic principles and values. On September the 22d 1999, the President of the Republic of Latvia, Mrs. Vaira Vike- Freiberga, gave a speech at the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations, New York.
In her speech at the 54th General Assembly, Mrs. the President highlighted the remarkable turnaround made by Latvia during this century. After fifty years without freedom and right to choose its own destiny, Latvia restored independence in 1991. Very quickly Latvia forgot the first moment of euphoria and realised that it was setting off on a new road. This country had to face the task of becoming an equal, responsible and contributing member of a new Europe and a new globalised international community. Latvian President pointed out that in a few short years, Latvia has grown into a politically stable state with strong democratic institutions and practices. This Baltic country has restored a thriving market economy and a deep respect for individual rights and freedoms. Over the past years and with the help of the international community, Latvia has attached particular importance to the process of forming a fully integrated, harmonious society. In the aim to promote the social integration in the country, Latvian government will continue to strengthen the role of the Latvian language, giving each resident an equal opportunity to contribute to a civic identity that shares goals and values in common with all of Europe. Latvian President asserted that her country believes in the complementarity of regional and global efforts and it sees its integration efforts into European and transatlantic structures as a practical means of contributing to joint efforts in the European and Transatlantic area. “For Latvia, integration into Europe remains a high priority, but it is not the end of the road. Integration into the transatlantic security is prudent, but not sufficient. For Latvia, to succeed, and for the people of Latvia to have the full opportunity they deserve to live secure, healthy and prosperous lives, Latvia must be fully integrated into the political, business and intellectual exchange of a global community”. Latvian people are proud of the fact that on February the 10th 1999, Latvia became the first Baltic State to join the World Trade Organization as a full-fledged member. Latvia takes a very active part in United Nations activities, in particular in peace operations in the Balkans. Latvia has put forward its candidature for the UN Security Council elections in 2005. It has also signed the Statute of the International Criminal Court and is currently planning its ratification process.
Lithuania - Mise à jour 2
Action programme for the Lithuanian Government on the Foreign Policy from 1997 - 20001
The strategic goals for the Lithuanian government are to secure the national security through integration into the transatlantic community and also to strengthen the national economy and -welfare by merging into the European market of goods and capital. The objectives in order to achieve this will be through membership of EU and NATO, which includes economic reforms which need to meet the standards of the EU as well as meeting the needs of the Lithuanian people, just as implementation of EU legislation is of high importance. Also to take an active part in the CFSP talks, develop bilateral relations with EU and NATO members and applicants, just as well as the Northern European States means a lot to Lithuania.
On the 18th of June 1999, the EU-Lithuania Association Committee had their 2nd meeting 2
The committee welcomed the Lithuanian National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis, which covered economic reform, internal market, energy policy, public administration reform, Justice and Home Affairs, environment and agriculture. Lithuania are aware of the importance of the internal market, and next year 60% of the standards used in Lithuania will be of EU and international standards. The collection, processing, storing and transportation of leather and fur are also in line with EU regulations, so is the disposal and processing of animal waste. By the end of 2002 the telecommunications market should be fully liberalised, following on from the mobile market. The Economic reforms are travelling in a positive direction. Lithuania is no longer dependent on Russia and their economic cycle, which the recent economic crisis showed. Also the exports growth of 1998 was higher than the import growth. Foreign Direct Investments are continuing to grow. The short-term priorities of environment were satisfactory due to the waste management programme, also including the radioactive waste. The Water treatment programme was also in line with the priorities of the EU. In spite of these good results, Lithuania still has an energy problem, also need to adopt an Energy Strategy fully in line with the Accession Partnership, and also to further strengthen the nuclear safety authority. In Klaipeda, there is now being constructed a Geothermal Plant, in order to provide Bio-energy. New types of fuel are also being investigated. The justice and home affairs are of high importance to Lithuania and a large number of projects are undertaken. The border management needs to be improved, by establishing an information system and demarcation of the borders with especially Belarus, but also the other neighbouring countries - which should be in order by the end of 2000. The Schengen Information System should be in force on the 1st of July 1999, so that a Visa-free
1 Source: http://www.urm.lt/political/program.htm and http://www.urm.lt/eu/cfsp.htm 2 Source: http://www.urm.lt/eu/comm1.htm and http://www.urm.lt/eu/comm2.htm regime between Lithuania and the Schengen states could be established. A three-step programme has been implemented in order to prevent and combat organised crime. Regarding this, a committee to combat corruption has been established, which already has lead to more cases against civil servants. The recommendations for the rest of 1999 were to strengthen the administration. In general civil servants training are being made available, the EU is in charge of training for civil servants in direct contact with the accessions of Lithuania into the EU. In January the Lithuanian Institute of Public Administration was also set up in order to train the civil servants. On the top of that comes a general reform of the legal system of Lithuania, which means that there will be a system of specialised judges, on both county and country level. A modern custom control will strengthen the control and enforcement functions of the customs administration. Lithuania needs to pay more attention to the law approximation programmes, in order to be able to fulfil the requirements by accession.
On the 9th of July 1999 the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Germany, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were meeting to exchange views, and produced a common statement.1
They all agreed on that all the applicant countries, which fulfil the Copenhagen criteria, should be invited to begin the substantive accession negotiations. The importance of the Northern Dimension were also mentioned and stressed that this co-operation were to continue as a long-term strategic Baltic Sea region co-operation. The past years, bilateral economic progress was welcomed by all the ministers, butit was also stressed that the environment for private economic actives should be improved, for that purpose the Council of Baltic Sea States, Baltic Sea Chambers and Commerce Association could be helpful.
On the 12th of November 1999 the Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vygaudas Usackas, gave a speech at the conference "the Northern Dimension" in Helsinki.2
For Mr. Usackas is an important dimension of the Northern Dimension to reduce the development gap between the enlarging EU and Northwest Russia, in order to promote peace, confidence, stability and development in the region. A closer co-operation with Kaliningrad could be in areas of customs, transport and visa issues, which would be natural for this region which in the future, will be surrounded by EU-Member states. In order to use the synergy effects of the region and to fulfil our objectives, it is important to strengthen the economic ties of the Region, and that can best be done via an effective infrastructure in the region. Bringing an effective infrastructure in place also makes it important to ensure strict border control against organised crime, which needs extra training, drug trafficking and illegal immigrants, which means better training for the border police. Simultaneously the border control also needs to be trained so that the trade can be effective and not hindered by bureaucratic obstacles.
1 Source: http://www.urm.lt/new/official/990903.htm 2 Source: http://www.urm.lt/new/address/1112nd.htm On top of that comes the energy problems of the Baltic Sea Region, where a high voltage electricity transmission between Poland and Lithuania would be of great help to the environment of the whole region, and therefore it ought be of high priority to the Northern Dimension. The examples mentioned are projects which all need international investment and support from international financial institutions.
On the 11th of December 1999, the Lithuanian President, Valdas Adamkus, made a statement at the meeting of the Heads of State and Government of EU and Candidate Countries1
For several years have the European integration determined the development and acceleration of the Lithuanian reforms; therefore Lithuania is welcoming the European Councils invitation to all the applicant countries to progress membership on the basis of its own merits. Lithuania has worked hard in order to become EU members, which the recent decision on closing down the Ignalina NPP shows. It was not an easy decision and the European Union's readiness to help financially and technically was warmly welcomed.
On the 16th of February 2000, the Lithuanian President, Valdas Adamkus, was giving a speech to the diplomatic corps to Lithuania.2
Like all the other newly developed democracies in Europe, Lithuania is also having its problems in becoming a modern democratic state, together with the success of free market economy, stable democratic system; there are the problems of a downward economy which brings social challenges with it. Still there is a sign of progress. The policy of Lithuania for the past 10 years has been membership of NATO and EU, and therefore the Helsinki Summit was of high importance for Lithuania. Membership of EU and NATO are part of providing security and well being of the Lithuanian people, and also it will bring stability to the whole region. Stability in the region is one of the main priorities of Lithuania, and that will be one of the qualities, which they will bring the EU. Close links to Russia and Belarus will be a part of the agenda, links which otherwise will be hard to find anywhere else. It is not only the outside relations to EU, which Lithuania is working on. Lithuania is very much open for closer relations with the other EU member states, and also the external trade and investors are more dominated by the EU member states.
1 Source: http://www.president.lt/eng/eng10277.htm 2 Source: http://www.president.lt/eng/eng10295.htm POLAND
On the 4th of November 1999 the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Jerzy Buzek delivered the speech at Paaskivi Society on “Priorities of the Polish Foreign Policy”
Mr. Buzek points out that integration with the European and Euro-Atlantic structures stems from the conviction that Poland belongs to the European spiritual and civilisation sphere and that these structures allow for the realisation of the Polish national interest. It also stems from the conviction that enlargement and deepening of the European structures is the only efficient method of guaranteeing peace, stability and prosperity on the continent.
Mr. Buzek mentions two biggest tasks awaiting the European Union in nearest future: acceptance of new members and deep reform of its structures. In order to achieve those tasks, Europe should assume that the main direction of its activities is the “all-embracing solidarity for the future”. In other words there will be no unity of Europe without solidarity. Poland is interested in fast completion of the institutional reform, which will not slow down the process of enlargement.
The Polish Prime Minister expresses then his worries about the slowing down of work on part of the Union, which can reduce the speed of negotiations. He suggests to break-down negative stereotypes and strongly promote real economic advantages of integration that can be achieved by both parties. Mr. Buzek says that enlargement will facilitate strengthening of continent on the social, political and security levels.
The Chief of Government highlights the fact that Poland, being a member of NATO, actively participates in the debate on strengthening NATO’s European pillar. In his opinion strengthening the European Security and Defence Identity is a positive and unavoidable process. At the same time, it’s in the best interest of the Europeans that those transformations do not lead to the weakening of trans-Atlantic links, which we consider to be fundamental for the efficiency of the Organisation.
The Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek gave the speech at “The Fifth Round Table with the Polish Government” Conference organised by “The Economist Conferences” on the 8th of March 2000 in Warsaw.
Mr. Buzek highlights the importance of four major social reforms which were undertaken in order to strengthen state institutions, improve quality of Polish citizens’ life and to secure Poland’s competitiveness in view of both European integration process and globalisation. The administration reform delegated powers and finance to lower levels of administration, in accordance with the principle subsidiarity. The “bureaucratic spectre of state monopoly over the insurance sector is no longer haunting” Poland. In his opinion in a few years time, private pensions funds will not only provide pension protection to many employees but will also contribute to the formation of strong capital market in Poland. The third reform consisted on introducing free market mechanisms to the healthcare system. Finally, the reform of education system produced a substantial increase of number of schools of the new type.
Mr. Buzek emphasises that the four reforms do not conclude ambitious plans of the Polish government. The next great challenge in terms of scale is the reform of mining and steel sector, which has a fundamental importance to the future of the polish transformation. On the 21st of January 2000 the Prime Minister of Poland, Mr. Jerzy Buzek gave an address at the National Institute of Administration (INA) in Lisbon entitled “Poland in Europe”.
Mr. Buzek points out that 10 years after the fall of the Berlin wall, Europe is faced with a decisive moment in its development. The institutional reform of the Union, the construction of the European Security and Defence Policy, and above all its strengthening by new members, map out the new directions of growth, and make sure Europe is and continues to be one of the key political and economic players on the global arena.
The Polish Prime Minister emphasises next that history of Poland’s strife for membership of the European Union did not commence on the day when membership negotiation were started, nor on the day of signing the Europe Agreement. Poland’s declaration on behalf of European Unity was made 20 years ago, when the “Solidarity” movement was created, the movement aiming at restoring Poland’s place in civilisation, where human rights and freedoms are fully respected.
Mr. Buzek reminds that since Poland regained independence in 1989, membership of the European Union has been always a priority of Polish foreign policy. At the end he stresses out that Poland wants to join a strong and effective European Union and to contribute to its consolidation. Consequently Poland is keen on being included in the work on the institutional reform and interested in a rapid completion of it, lest it should delay the enlargement process.
On the 8th of September 1999 in Warsaw the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland addressed a speech to the Diet on Poland’s integration with the European Union
The Polish Prime Minister expressed his opinion that international situation of Poland has never been so favourable since two hundred years. After fifty years of being cut off from Europe Poland has a unique opportunity to feel and share with other nations feelings of brotherhood, thereby building the strength and prosperity of the country. Mr. Buzek reminds that Poland is already a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, but the power of a state and the security of its citizens cannot be built only on the basis of a military alliance. The foundation of successful development of the country is a modern economy, an effective social security system and a conspicuous presence on the great European market.
Poland’s aspirations for membership in the European Union in a natural way emanate from its history and identity. If it were not for the Second World War, if it were not for the tragic verdict of history, Poland could have shaped contemporary Europe on equal rights with other nations. Poland did not regain the right to plan its destiny on its own until 1989, when the common effort of people of “Solidarity” returned Poland to Europe, and Europe to Poland.
Mr. Buzek says that his government has a special right and moral title to carry out the European aspirations of Poles. It has the will and determination to execute this task. It wants to conduct the negotiations at a rapid pace. But it also wants to carry out hard negotiations to protect Polish interests.
The Prime Minister emphasises that Polish contribution to European integration could be to carry into effect the value that was the hallmark of Polish policy during the last twenty years, namely, the principle of solidarity. That principle was responsible for the ultimate victory over the past, whose symbols were totalitarian regimes and the Iron Curtain. Today the principle of solidarity, both of countries that already are members of Union and of other countries (especially of those aspiring to membership) may become one of the foundations of European unity.
European integration is not only the priority of the foreign policy of the government but at the same time it is the obligation to carry out indispensable internal adaptation process, that is, to appropriate the body of Union regulations and to carry out the appropriate structural and systemic changes. This will help the Polish economy to face up to intensifying international competition.
Finally Mr. Buzek reminds that the essence of integration goes far beyond the economic sphere. Economic co-operation is accompanied by the bolstering of democracy, security, protection of the common European heritage, recognition of the importance of Christian aspirations. Hence Poland treats participation in the EU not only as a guarantee of its economic development and safeguarding of its vital interests but also as a consolidation of the independent, democratic Polish state.
On the April 6th 2000 the Prime Minister of Poland Jerzy Buzek delivered a speech at the European Parliament before the EPP Group
Mr. Buzek starts saying that integration with the European Union is a priority of each subsequent democratic government in Poland since the beginning of the 90-ties. Poland fully shares the goals and values which laid the foundation for the European Communities and the European Union. Since 1997 Mr. Buzek’s government is implementing internal reforms aiming to bring Poland closer to the standards and solutions of the EU.
Mr. Buzek highlights the fact that Polish economy is based on solid grounds. As the example he gives the limited impact of the past international financial crisis on the economic performance of the country. For the last few years Poland has been recording one of the highest rates of economic growth in Europe. At the same time Mr. Buzek complains about huge balance of payment deficit with EU which is responsible for creating hundreds of thousands of jobs within the EU but in the future might become a problem for Polish economy.
The Prime Minister asks for acceleration of the negotiations, particularly insisting on the need that the EU set a date for the accession of Poland, complaining of little understanding for a request he sees as essential for the preparation of accession and the support of public opinion. He confirms that achieving the state of readiness for membership by 31 December 2002 remains Poland’s strategic objective.
Jerzy Buzek presents Polish position on particularly sensitive project of agriculture saying that the possibility of excluding Poland from some of the CAP mechanisms is hard to accept, since it would result in a distortion of conditions for competition and above all place the polish farmers at unequal position versus their fellow partners in the Union.
The Prime Minister raises also the issue of EU institutional reform. He declares Poland’s readiness to participate in the discussion on the future development and reforms of the EU. At the same time he indicates the fears that enlargement might become hostage to unresolved institutional issues.
Mr. Buzek underlines the fact that public support for enlargement both in Poland and in the Member States is crucial, criticising the EU Member States for not having any sufficient and efficient information campaigns. Such information policy is necessary to face the exaggerated fears nourished by the public and explain potential gains of expanding EU to the countries of Central Europe. He adds that benefits of enlargement are far greater than its costs.
ROMANIA
On 28th July 1999 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its satisfaction that the European Commission adopted the Bill referring to macro-financial aid for Romania.
The intended aid totals approximately 380 million Euro for the states affected by the crisis in Kosovo, namely Romania, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. The macro-financial aid for Romania and Bulgaria is conceived as a ten-year loan and is meant to balance payments of up to 200 million Euro for Romania and 100 million Euro for Bulgaria.
Romania considers that the macro-financial aid proposed by the European Commission reflects the European Union's solidarity with the countries affected by the crisis in Kosovo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is convinced that once the Stand-by Agreement with the IMF is signed, the funds assigned to Romania by the European Commission will become available. Thus, Romania could carry out the economic reform necessary for its integration into the European Union.
The aid granted by the European Union is intended to curb the deficit caused by the crisis in Kosovo. It is in addition to the financial aid received from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. It is granted depending on the progress achieved by the states in the fields of reform and macro-economic stability.
In autumn 2000, the European Commission will organize a meeting of the Advisory Group/ G-24 to mobilize additional macro-financial aid from other donors. The meeting will be possible only after Romania signs the Stand-by Agreement with the IMF. The proposal of the European Commission to grant Romania a macro-financial loan of 200 million Euro represents the fourth part of the financial aid that it has received from the European Union.
On 13th October 1999, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the European Commission's Report
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its optimism in connection with the report of the European Commission on Romania's progress in complying with EU accession criteria. It appreciates the usefulness of the conclusions presented in the report for Romania’s preparation regarding its accession to the European Union.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs finds that the contents of the report and its recommendations express a position of solidarity towards Romania's efforts regarding the acceleration of the reforms at the level of the entire Romanian society.
The confirmation of Romania's eligibility as an EU member stimulates the Romanian institutions, which are actively involved in the process of preparation for EU accession to do their best in order to achieve the necessary changes.
Romania considers that the EU Summit, which will take place in Helsinki in December this year, should be a confirmation of the political commitment previously shown in terms of inviting Romania to the negotiations for EU membership.
Hence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to use its entire expertise in order to properly support the development of the process to bring Romania and its citizens closer to the European institutions and to achieve the practical integration of Romania into the European Union.
On 20th October 1999 the Foreign Affairs Minister Andrei Gabriel Plesu gave a Press Conference on matters of European integration
When asked to comment on the European Commission’s report, Andrei Gabriel Plesu said that there were no surprising elements in it. "We knew that the report would point out the progress, but it would also draw attention to the aspects that are not settled yet. We were aware of the fact that we would not be awarded a prize". He stresses that it was now important that this report should not preclude Romania’s nomination in Helsinki, preventing it from starting the accession negotiations together with the other candidate countries. In this respect, the report is surprising. Although EU reports generally represent a technical diagnosis, this report contains a political perspective. It suggests the legitimacy of inviting all candidate countries to negotiations - on certain terms. Therefore, it offers one more chance for the political decision in Helsinki to be formulated in favorable terms. A clear-cut distinction should be made between the technicians' survey contained in this report and the politicians' decision, which will be taken in Helsinki. From the point of view of Romania, this "examination" was lucid, encouraging, and also stimulating, since it urges Romanian politicians to action, both until and especially after Helsinki.
Andrei Gabriel Plesu also made an appeal to the political class, to the media and to the Romanian population in general with regard to the difficult tasks that lie ahead for Romania. He emphasized that European integration is a matter, which should bring Romanians together, not separate them. European integration should not concern only the leaders; it depends on each citizen, on the political and economic climate in Romania. What Romania needs now is individual responsibility, not just governmental and collective responsibility. He pointed out that, in the absence of the citizens' solidarity and participation, Romanian politicians couldn’t fulfil the difficult tasks required of them.
On 10 December 1999, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on the Decision of the European Council in Helsinki
The European Council of Helsinki marks a turning point in the history of Europe, through its decision concerning the continuation of the EU enlargement process, launched in Luxembourg, in December 1997.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the decision of the leaders of the 15 EU member states concerning the continuation of the Union’s enlargement process by opening, in the year 2000, accession negotiations with six more candidate countries, including Romania.
For Romania, the opening of accession negotiations represents both an opportunity and a challenge:
- An opportunity to become fully integrated in a community based on the principles and values of democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and freedom, the rule of law and market economy; - A challenge, in terms of the need to speed up the reform and the EU accession preparation process and the adoption and implementation of Community legislation, as well as institutional development, so that Romania can catch up with the distance still separating it from the countries which have already engaged accession negotiations.
The immediate imperative is the internal organization of the accession negotiation process; i.e. the setting up of the national and sectorial negotiating teams, drawing on the already established experience of the other candidate countries.
The internal accession preparation efforts require an equal contribution from the Parliament of Romania and from central and local administration with respect to legal approximation and the implementation and enforcement of the Community "acquis".
In this respect, the development of the capacity of the Romanian institutions for modernization and adjustment to the special nature of the community mechanisms, as well as the assurance of the wide support of the entire society in order to carry out the far-reaching internal changes implied by Romania’s European integration, is of decisive importance.
On this occasion, Romania welcomes the consistent and important support of the European Commission and of the EU member states and it continues to count on more substantial assistance in the difficult and challenging process lying ahead.
On 30th December 1999, Mr. Petre Roman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a New Year address to Romanian citizens in which he spoke of the mission of Romania foreign policy
In his address to the nation, Mr. Petre Roman outlined the objectives of Romania's foreign policy for the year 2000 as approved by the Parliament:
1. To successfully accomplish the process of negotiation for accession to the European Union;
2. To prepare the moment when Romania will be invited to become a member of the North- Atlantic Treaty Organization;
3. To prepare Romania's assuming the OSCE chairmanship;
4. To create the prerequisites for Romania's favorable compatibility with the process of integration and globalization;
5. To conduct a foreign policy in accordance with the realities directly concerning the Romanian citizens. This means concrete results in the visa regime and the free movement of persons, so as to respect the dignity of Romanian citizens. Regulations concerning diplomas must allow for the recognition of compatibility between the training of Romania’s youth and those of young people from other countries. Romanian companies should have free access to foreign markets to sell Romanian products. Foreign investment should be encouraged to come to Romania, so as to complement Romanian capital. We should help people become aware of the fact that cultural differences are not a cause for dispute.
The Deputy Prime Minister underlined that the foreign policy for 2000 will have to be part of the endeavor to increase Romania's credibility. Each major stage in the process of accession to the European Union will be prepared in cooperation with the concerned Romanian entities. It will be explained to the public, whose support is essential. The basis of Romania’s approach will be respect for the rules and obligations it assumes in relations with foreign partners. Much attention will be paid to Romania's community of values and interests with the Euro-Atlantic space, which Romania is integrating.