EUHR Solana on EU-Western Balkans Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Let me first say that I am very happy that this meeting is taking place so soon after the Thessaloniki Summit. It is a clear signal of our shared ambition to ensure continued progress for the countries and people of the Western Balkans towards the European Union.

* * *

If I review developments in the Western Balkans since the Thessaloniki Summit, I draw three general conclusions:

The first is that the overall direction of developments is right. Each time I visit the region I notice steps in the right direction. As examples, I could mentioned the adoption of a State Level Defence Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the determined efforts on defence reform in Serbia and Montenegro or the improvement of the security situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that will allow us to put an end to the international military presence in just a few days.

The second is that the pace could, and should, be quicker. Meeting the requirements for eventual membership will take a more concerted, and a more determined effort from Government and societies. I am thinking in particular of the area of the rule of law, which is absolutely crucial, both for economic development and for coming closer to the EU. We need a bit of the spirit of Winston Churchill who used to add impatiently to his instructions, in red ink: "Action this Day". At a time, when history accelerates and the EU's agenda expands continuously, you too have to accelerate and re-energize your efforts. You cannot afford to lose a single day.

Thirdly, the commitment to reform and to the European agenda cannot yet be taken for granted but has to be further consolidated. In some places, this autumn has been difficult, with great economic and social difficulties and high political tension. Important elections are taking place. Populists and nationalists can exploit this situation. The democratic forces and civil society therefore must make absolutely clear that for the States and societies of the region there is no credible alternative to the European orientation.

* * *

The path to the EU is certainly long and difficult. But at least it is clearly mapped out. The Central European and Baltic States, Malta and Cyprus have travelled it before you and are now about to arrive safely at the destination. And the EU is ready to do its share. The same instruments that have supported the process of European integration of the acceding countries are now being put at your service. Our partnership is being reinforced every day, as the decisions from the Thessaloniki Summit are being implemented.

* * *

Cooperating with the EU is not enough, however. Cooperation among the states of the region is certainly no less important. The region will only succeed, if economic relations, infrastructure and communication links are developed and connected to the rest of the Continent. I therefore welcome all the important work that is being done on trade, on energy and on many other issues. The EU is grateful to Erhard Busek and the Stability Pact and to the SEECP for their commitment and determination in pushing this agenda forward.

I also admire the wisdom and courage of those who over the past month have contributed to reconciliation between the peoples of the Balkans. There is no better way to banish the ghosts from the past and to prepare a peaceful future. Reconciliation too is a European standard. We should not forget that reconciliation between France and Germany after World War II laid the foundation for European integration.

Let me add a word on Kosovo. This is a highly sensitive, but also very important issue that has implications for all the region. We need to work together on it, and we need to maintain a constructive attitude.

The recent UNMIK and Contact Group Strategy for the operationalisation of the "Standards before Status" policy has provided a road map for a renewed partnership between UNMIK and the Kosovo Government, and for consolidating stability in Kosovo. This strategy, which is based on UNSCR 1244 includes the elaboration of a concrete standards implementation plan and the establishment of a mechanism for review of progress achieved. The first opportunity for an overall review can occur around mid 2005, and earlier if sufficient progress will be made.

Direct dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina remains an indispensable element of the standards, and I would like use this occasion to once again encourage both parties to start the working groups on practical issues, as agreed in Vienna, as soon as possible.

I congratulate Harri Holkeri on his efforts in preparing a Document on Standards for Kosovo which constitutes an important first stage in the implementation of this approach. He has the EU's full support. I regret that the Serbian government has yesterday distanced itself from this paper.

However, I note that the Government has also indicated its willingness to continue talks on the implementation of standards.

I am firmly convinced that the new approach to the Standards policy provides a genuine opportunity to improve the quality of life for all communities in Kosovo, to develop constructive cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina and to prepare the ground for an eventual solution to this problem. I would like to invite all parties concerned, but also the regional partners to do their utmost to contribute to a success of these efforts.

| Top |