Europa > European Union in the World > European Union @ United Nations > EUHR Solana's Speech at the 'Forum for the Future'

Site map | A-Z Index | Internships/Jobs | Links | Contact us

English Español Français

 

 

EUHR Solana's Speech at the 'Forum for the Future'

Let me first thank the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting this meeting. In its wisdom, Morocco decided long ago to take the bold path of reform and received strong international support. Today many others are making similar efforts. They are receiving and they will continue to receive the support of the European Union.

In establishing this Forum for the Future we agreed that it would be "a vehicle for listening to the needs of the region". That tells me two things. First, that we must look to the Ministers from the Area to drive our debate today and secondly, that I am here to listen rather than to lecture. I will therefore limit myself to three points:

• I. Yes, reform must originate in the countries concerned but time is of the essence.
  
• II. There is a convergence of objectives in broad terms and much is already being done. The EU values its existing structures of co-operation and is already taking them to a new level in response to new realities.
  
• III. The Forum for the Future was not launched blind to the broader political context, and it should not become so.

I. Yes, reform must originate in the countries concerned but time is of the essence

For a decade and a half the EU has been fostering the political, economic and social reform of eight states from Eastern and Central Europe as well as two Mediterranean island states. As a result of that Process for six months now I have the pleasure to act on behalf of twenty-five rather than fifteen member states. Looking back it is clear that the EU played a central role in fostering efforts in these countries to reform their societies politically, economically and socially.

What is perhaps less apparent is that none of the EU's efforts would have produced results were they not based on a strategic decision on the part of those countries to reform themselves. We invested much in terms of time, money and energy but not nearly as much time, money and energy as was invested in the new member states themselves. We succeeded together but only because they realized that reform was not being sought simply to satisfy EU norms, but because reform was necessary if their societies were to be sustainable, irrespective of the prospect of membership of the Union.

It also emerged that countries reformed at their own pace; but those who reformed first often created comparative advantages that still serve them well today. A reputation for being at the forefront of reform is valuable in itself.

Put succinctly one can say that reform must come from within not from without, but if it is to come it were best if it came sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it has been said, History has a habit of punishing those who arrive late.

II. There is a convergence of objectives in broad terms and much is already being done

Through the Arab League Tunis Declaration on Reform and Modernisation and other initiatives many countries present here expressed their belief that the time is indeed ripe for reform. The Declaration set out the broad parameters for that process that in no way contradicts our own thinking.

I think it is fair to say that even if sometimes we don't couch our aims and objectives in precisely the same terms we are indeed all working in the same direction.

This Forum is a recognition that the G8 and its unique membership has also got something to bring to the table in support of the process of reform and modernization in the area. It is also a recognition of the stake its members have in the success of the endeavour.

There is certainly enough work to go around for all actors wishing to support reform in the Broader Middle East and North Africa. The Declaration at Sea Island underlines that all the members of the G8 were already contributing in their own way to the modernization of the countries concerned. Nevertheless this Forum may serve to sharpen our efforts and align them always closer to the needs of the region and its peoples.

We all have distinct and valuable attributes that we can offer in support of the process we all wish to foster. Our respective strengths in terms of experience, know-how and existing structures of co-operation should continue to guide our efforts.

The European Union has been in the business of assisting modernisation in the countries of the Southern Mediterranean for some time now and is proud of its efforts to date. It has worked primarily through the Barcelona Process which will mark a decade of activity next year.

Just ten days ago the Euromed Foreign Ministers launched the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation on the Dialogue between Cultures. I believe it is not an isolated event but a natural consolidation of so much that has been done in the social and cultural field between Partners in the last nine years. Events and projects that have allowed for thousands of people-to people contacts creating real understanding and appreciation of each other's values and way of life.

Meanwhile, we have made a very considerable investment in the economic and financial chapter by supporting projects and programmes worth billions of Euros that have helped our Southern Mediterranean Partners compete in the globalized economy.

Even the Political and Security Chapter is becoming more effective as a tool for talking Politics with a large 'P'. It provides a forum for Dialogue on the most sensitive subjects from counter-terrorism to non-proliferation.

All this is set to be further enhanced through the European Neighbourhood Policy which provides greater incentives including a degree of integration into the internal market of the Union for those willing and able to implement the necessary reforms.

It is no secret that the EU is also keen to strengthen its relationship with several countries beyond its immediate neighbourhood of the Southern Mediterranean particularly with respect to the countries around the Gulf. The EU recently endorsed a Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, which is relevant also to countries outside the Barcelona Process. It sets out the philosophy of Partnership that it would like to see inspire its relations with the region, including with countries with whom it has not traditionally enjoyed very developed relations.

III. The Forum of the Future was not launched blind to the broader political context, and it should not become so

It would be difficult to argue that there is no link between the EU's strengthened interest in the Gulf and the events that have taken place there in the last years, both in Iraq and elsewhere.

Similarly it would be difficult to argue that the task of reform that brings us together today could be successfully completed if it is divorced from the political realities on the ground, not least in the Middle East.

The truth is the Forum for the Future was not launched blind to the broader political context, and it should not become so.

I will not dwell on whether reforms can wait for the resolution of conflict. I simply don't believe we have the luxury to wait and find out.

We must busy ourselves pursuing the political, economic and social reform that will give young people the education, opportunities and jobs they need to thrive. But we must do so in the knowledge that we will not truly secure their future until we resolve the conflicts that that continue to challenge us.

In that task there is no one here without a role to play.

Thank you.

| Top |

Advanced search