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2010 - The Challenges to Global Security: Mary ROBINSON
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22/12/99
Javier
SOLANA SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE WEU; HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EU FOR THE COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY
As we approach the closing days of the 20th century and look back on the
last 50 years, it is clear that two processes have formed the basis of Europe's
security and economic and social development. The twin motors of European
integration and transatlantic co-operation have resulted in unprecedented
stability and prosperity for the citizens of Europe. Both will remain vital
in shaping the future of Europe in the next century. The progress made in so many fields of European integration has been spectacular. From its origins as the Coal and Steel Community, the European Union (EU) has become one of the most advanced and sophisticated examples of regional integration in the world. The benefits and opportunities it offers to those living within its borders are without parallel.
The next century will be no different. The core task of European integration will continue. The EU of the 21st century will have a common currency. Our political integration is deepening further and our membership broadening. The next round of enlargement will encompass countries which were so long cut off from the developments taking place in western Europe. They will now be brought into the mainstream of European integration, with all the benefits that this offers their citizens.
The EU is building on its economic and financial success in many different directions. A key challenge is to tackle the problems that confront our citizens and jeopardise their security, such as drugs and transnational crime. This involves co-operation not only internally but also externally. The EU is also working to consolidate the process of political integration through the development of an effective common security and defence policy.
It is establishing the decision-making arrangements and the capabilities necessary to respond to international crises. It already has a range of non-military instruments at its disposal. At its Helsinki European Council, Europe's leaders decided to develop their countries' collective military capacity to complement these. Once the process is complete, these changes will allow the EU to play a full part on the world stage.
The EU intends using its power and influence as a force for good. It will continue to promote the development of free trade, as the most effective way of ensuring world economic growth. It will work to promote and maintain regional security. It will continue to put democracy and the rule of law at the heart of its international action. It will seek to protect human rights anywhere in the world. All legitimate means can and must be used to discourage violations of human rights, and to repress such massive crimes as ethnic cleansing, religious persecution and racial discrimination.
Other organisations also have a key role to play in many of these areas. Recent events have shown NATO's central importance as a broader crisis management organisation as well as a collective defence organisation. It has proved invaluable in developing security co-operation and consultation with a wide range of European partners: a task that will remain essential for years to come.
The Europe of the 21st century should be stronger still, better prepared to prevent instability and with a robust sense of solidarity. A Europe determined to play a full role in the world.
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Javier SOLANA
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2010
- The Challenges To Global Security | Foreword:
Cliff Beal | King
Abdullah II | Kofi
Annan | Ehud Barak
| Tony Blair | Jacques
Chirac | Bill
Clinton | Sadako
Ogato | James
Orbinski | Romano
Prodi | Lord
Robertson Of Port Ellen | Mary
Robinson | Javier
Solana | Cornelio
Sommaruga | James
Wolfensohn | Postscript:
Edward N. Luttwak | Postscript:
Lawrence Freedman