EU Presidency Statement - Globalisation and Interdependence

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding countries of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the associated countries of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, and the EFTA country Iceland align themselves to this statement.

Globalisation is a complex, multidimensional process that involves both opportunities and risks. The growing intensity of worldwide interconnection has created unprecedented prospects for development. We see globalisation as an effective way to define and characterize our era. Some similar phenomena that have existed for centuries have taken on a different connotation today thanks to rapid technological advances, particularly in the areas of transportation and information technology. Such advances have had a major impact on the daily lives of billions of people throughout the world.

Trade, migration, and financial transactions, cultural and information exchanges, are not a specific feature of recent times, but as a direct result of globalisation they tend to be seen differently nowadays. The Secretary-General's report raises an intriguing question: has globalisation gone into reverse? The European Union is not of this opinion: the unsatisfactory level of FDI, the gradual recovery of the world economy following the 2001 slowdown, and the risk of oscillations in trade liberalization are all negative signs of a difficult juncture in the world economy that is only now starting to turn around. These cyclical difficulties might have an impact on the globalisation but they do not seem able to reverse its process.

Mr. Chairman,

We all have to deal with the challenges of globalisation. It is a complex phenomenon. While it has the potential to contribute to poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, unless its benefits are apparent we will soon have to face the resistance of those who find a world of division and seclusion more attractive. If globalisation cannot be made to work for the poor and for preventing environmental degradation, we will all suffer the consequences. These consequences, let us be clear, will impact world peace, development and social justice.

During hard times the need for better management of globalisation becomes particular urgent. A globalisation with a human face depends on political will and policies, more than it does on market forces and technological development. The Millennium Declaration has set the overarching framework for our action. The priorities and policies defined at Monterrey, Johannesburg, and Doha (despite the setbacks in Cancun) following the Conferences of the nineties, have defined a new global partnership for development between developed and developing countries. This partnership is based on shared responsibilities and mutual commitment, and aims to accelerate economic growth, reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

Mr. Chairman,

It will not be possible to avoid an institutional debate on better Governance for a better globalization. The EU supports the comments of the SG on the idea of a more efficient "network of global, regional and national institutions".

Faced with the phenomenon of globalisation, all governments have a role to play. The European Union is a global actor possessing the instruments and ability to improve the lives of people far beyond the borders of Europe. It recognizes its unique potential to play a leading role in ensuring that globalisation also works for the poor and without detriment to the environment. The EU is the biggest market for poor countries and provides more than 50 percent of global development assistance. The EU reaffirms its commitment to promoting international trade as engine for sustainable development and remain convinced that a combination of development co-operation and more open world trade can play a crucial role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We have a long democratic tradition and historical experience in regional co-operation. This explains our determination to support democracy, promote compliance with universal human rights and build more inclusive and responsive governance at the national and international levels. The European Union is convinced that we can and must humanize globalisation, and it will continue to work in that direction.

Mr. Chairman,

In his report the Secretary-General asks for guidance from the membership in conducting the international debate on this important theme. Many of the issues raised in the report have been addressed under other agenda items. It would be a mistake to ignore or underestimate the social, cultural and environmental implications of globalisation and emphasise only its economic aspects.

Migration is an important aspect of globalisation, its impact on the economic situation in the countries of origin and destination is substantial and multifaceted. The EU is ready to continue this interesting debate in the appropriate fora.

We commend the initiative to organize a joint informal meeting on globalisation of the Second and Third Committees. The statement on the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation's work by the Director General of the ILO, Mr. Somavia, is a good indication of an area of interest on which we might engage next year. In particular, the proposal to focus on the social aspects of globalisation is a priority theme for the EU.

We are looking forward to discussing on a resolution that would reflect the importance of this issue and be focussed on the specific aspects of it.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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• Speech by Commissioner Lamy - Making Globalisation Work for People (9/9/2003)
• EU Presidency Statement - Globalization and interdependence (1/11/2002)