Extending peace is the priority for a wider Europe

By Mikulas Dzurinda, and Adrian Nastase

March 18, 2004

On the eve of the historic enlargement of both the European Union and Nato, it is appropriate to consider the responsibilities of the larger European community. The vision of Europe that has motivated the Slovak and Romanian people cannot end with accession to the EU and Nato. At best, we are halfway to building a Europe committed to securing a larger peace and capable of promoting economic prosperity beyond its borders.

This weekend, leaders from throughout Europe and the US meet in Bratislava to try to define an agenda for a wider Europe. We need to accelerate economic reforms in order to close the wealth gaps in the enlarged EU and forge a creative and competitive Europe. We also need to develop policies that promote freedom, democracy and good governance in Europe's neighbours. We hope to persuade our colleagues that we can make strong progress in the next 12 months towards building the foundations of a common European foreign policy in five areas.

Establishing permanent peace in the western Balkans must be the priority. Despite the recent flare-up of violence in Kosovo, overall the countries of the region have made extraordinary progress, which should be recognised. At its forthcoming Istanbul summit, Nato should take steps towards inviting Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to join. Equally important, however, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro should be asked to join the Partnership for Peace. Croatia's progress in preparing for EU membership and Macedonia's submission of its initial application mark a turning-point. As we approach critical decisions on the status of Kosovo in 2005, we need a realistic strategy for integrating the western Balkans into all the structures of the EU and the Atlantic alliance.

In the southern Caucasus, we feel the winds of change in the new presidency in Azerbaijan, in the Armenia-Turkey dialogue and in Georgia's Rose Revolution. We applaud the EU's decision to consider the southern Caucasus democracies as part of its European Neighbourhood Policy. This extension of the EU's hand of friendship eastward, coupled with Nato's welcome to new members on the Black Sea's western shore, will encourage regional co-operation and reform. Developing a constructive strategy for the greater Black Sea region is our second great challenge.

The promotion of close ties with Ukraine and Belarus is our third goal. In dealing with the regime in Minsk, Europe must be clear that it cannot tolerate an authoritarian black hole at its centre. We strongly support an end to dictatorship in Belarus. The EU must continue to impose sanctions in response to human rights violations and move to the prosecution of state-sponsored crime.

We are committed to developing a closer relationship with Ukraine. We are convinced that a more open and democratic political system is essential there. Forthcoming elections offer an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to European democracy. We have learnt from our own experience that we can best support a democratic Ukraine in Europe by insisting on the highest standards in politics and civil society.

Turkey has been a vital part of Nato and should become the cornerstone of an enlarged Europe. The country has made a serious commitment to human rights reform and we are within sight of a historic reconciliation over Cyprus. Turkey can play a leading role in advancing freedom, peace and prosperity throughout the greater Middle East. The opening of negotiations for EU membership with Turkey will show that the Europe we hope to build is open to all faiths and beliefs. Support for Turkey's aspiration to begin accession negotiations in December should be the fourth foundation of policy.

Last, we are aware of our responsibility to confront the most significant challenge of this century: the lethal nexus of terrorism, poverty, dictatorship and extremism. Many of these elements have roots in the greater Middle East. But, as we have seen in New York, Madrid, Bali and Istanbul, all who stand for the cause of freedom are vulnerable. Military action alone is not the answer. Only through the growth of freedom, democracy and economic opportunity will we turn the tide of resentment and fear.

In these tragic times, we must not lose sight of our longer-term responsibilities and the great opportunities before us. Now our countries are on the doorstep of the EU and Nato we hope to add our voices to those who want to see Europe shape the future beyond its immediate borders.

Mikulas Dzurinda is the prime minister of Slovakia. Adrian Nastase is the prime minister of Romania