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2010 - The Challenges to Global Security: Romano PRODI
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Romano PRODI
PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
It is just 10 years since the momentous events in 1989 which led to the
fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Iron Curtain. For the
first time since the fall of the Roman Empire we have the opportunity
to unite Europe - and this time it will not be by force of arms but on
the basis of shared ideals and agreed common rules.
As we enter the next millennium we now have the chance to create a Europe
in which all the peoples of this continent can live together in peace,
security, freedom, justice and equality. A democratic Europe where human
rights are respected and the rule of law prevails. An economically integrated
Europe which offers growth and prosperity through a single market and
a single currency.
Challenges there certainly are, but the countries that have applied for
membership have already shown their determination and capacity for change.
Their economies and ours are becoming increasingly integrated, and they
are making huge efforts to prepare for EU membership. It is clearly in
their interests and ours to keep up the momentum of this process.
Recent developments such as the Kosovo crisis raise broader geopolitical
questions. Questions about the prospect of membership for European countries
which are not yet part of the enlargement process. Questions about our
relationship with other neighbours for whom membership is not an issue
but with whom we want close and constructive relations. How can we best
work together with them to construct a wider European area of peace, stability
and prosperity? Now, as we plan our enlargement strategy, we must address
these questions seriously.
An enlarged EU already offers a greatly expanded zone of stability and
security. This has important implications for our neighbours including
the Balkan countries. I believe we should hold out to these countries
the prospect of eventual EU accession provided certain conditions are
met.
We should meanwhile devise new and innovative forms of co-operation with
these countries, offering them what I have called "virtual membership".
By this I mean access to the stimulus and advantages of close co-operation
even before they are ready for full membership.
We should make it clear to Albania and the countries of the former Yugoslavia
that we see them as members of the European family of nations, and that
once they have met the criteria for membership we shall welcome them into
the EU, provided certain important steps are taken beforehand. These countries
must:
- recognise each other's borders;
- settle all outstanding issues relating to treatment of minorities; and
- set up a regional co-operation organisation in which the Commission would be associated.
The
EU must also be more actively involved with Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus
and Maghreb countries. We must ensure our borders with these countries
do not become the dividing line between poverty and prosperity in Europe.
No-one should pretend enlargement will be easy: but there are immense
economic, political and cultural benefits to be gained by all the countries
concerned. Global security only stands to gain from a peaceful, stable
and prosperous Europe. It is, in the end, a "win-win" exercise: let us
press forwards with confidence, optimism and enthusiasm.
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Romano PRODI
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