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The strategic goal of the European Union, and naturally of Greece, in the Balkans is to create the preconditions for stability, functioning democratic processes and institutions, cooperation, development and prosperity, as well as fulfilment of the political criteria, which will allow all the Balkan countries without exception to become members of the EU.
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After the NATO operations in Kosovo, the policy implemented by the European Union in the Balkans was extremely well coordinated and effective, replacing its weak policy of the early 90s. The combination of goals and means (mainly through financial aid and the Association and Stabilisation Process), in conjunction with the election of democratic governments in all Balkan countries without exception, permit a more optimistic outlook as regards the effectiveness of EU policies.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL AND THESSALONIKI SUMMIT ON THE WESTERN BALKANS (20 21 JUNE 2003)
- The Thessaloniki Summit was a milestone in the EUs exceptional and privileged relations with the countries of the Western Balkans. The jointly adopted Thessaloniki Declaration highlighted both the European Unions unreserved intention of supporting the European prospects of the states in the region as potential candidates for accession, and the commitment of the Western Balkan states to intensify their efforts at reforms, bringing them closer to the lengthy process of EU accession in the future.
- In recent years, EU policies have contributed greatly to the progress achieved throughout the region, promoting stability and the rapprochement between these states and the Union.
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In order to join the EU these states must adopt those principles and values commonly accepted in the European family, which comprise the foundations of the EU: democracy, rule of law, respect for human and minority rights, solidarity and market economy, respect of international law, inviolability of international borders, peaceful resolution of conflicts and regional cooperation.
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In this regard we consider that respecting and fully implementing the Agreements (Dayton, Ohrid, Belgrade) and the UN Security Council Resolutions settling the problems in the region (1244/99 for Kosovo and 1345/2001 for fYROM and Kosovo) constitutes the sine qua non condition for stability and peace in the region.
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The texts adopted in Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki Agenda: moving towards European Integration for the Western Balkan States, as well as the Thessaloniki Declaration) constitute the most comprehensive texts on European Union strategy as regards the Balkans.
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The set of measures adopted, implementation of which commenced during the Italian Presidency, comprise tangible proof that the Western Balkans constitute a region of vital importance in European Union policies. The latest enlargement certainly encourages the countries of the region to intensify their efforts in this direction. If and when they succeed now depends on their own efforts and political will.
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The European Union Police Mission (EUPM) and the Althea military operation in Bosnia Herzegovina, as well as the Concordia and Proxima operations in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia which were launched during the Greek Presidency, reflect not only the European Unions commitment to the region, but also the leading role it undertakes.
PARAMETERS AND AIMS OF GREEK AND EU STRATEGY
Root causes of instability:
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Macroeconomic stability: the regions macroeconomic stability has shown a relative improvement in recent years. However, the overall economic and social situation remains shaky, due to the long term problems experienced by each country, including: economic stagnation, high rates of unemployment, uncompetitive products, low levels of investment. We consider that throughout the entire region, including Kosovo, high rates of unemployment, lack of direct investment and delays in the implementation of infrastructure projects pose the most important and sensitive problems.
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In the long term, a strategy for conflict prevention is viable only if this effectively addresses the economic, social, regional and sub-regional dimensions of national problems. Therefore, policies aimed at economic and social cohesion are required at both national and regional level.
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The socio-economic problems, lack of prospects and lack of improved living conditions, organised crime in conjunction with ethnic problems constitute a disturbing cocktail that under specific conditions could trigger fresh conflict, as has been proven by the not so distant past.
Democratisation, consolidating institutions and reforms:
The main components of Greek and E.U. policy are democratisation, establishment of functional institutions and administrative reform. Membership of the Western Balkan states in the European Union requires:
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democratisation of the executive, judicial and legislative powers and encouraging citizens to actively participate in public affairs. Emphasis should be placed not only on democratic elections, but also on good governance in all areas.
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consolidating the rule of law, by furthering programmes for the judicial, law enforcement and public administration sectors. Training programmes for enhancing methods of governance.
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fostering a sense of responsibility in office holders and leaders, and
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electing a new generation of politicians
Reinforcing the role of Civil Society in regional cooperation and conflict prevention:
Non Governmental Organisations can act as catalysts, particularly in initiating programmes pertaining to the younger generations, where the ethnic divide is deeper. The contributions of citizens may well prove to be, inter alia, a tool for shaping long term programmes of a social nature, such as the difficult path to reconciliation. During her EU Presidency, Greece undertook specific initiatives towards Reconciliation, Democracy and Human Rights.
Promoting tolerance and reconciliation:
The main goals of our strategy are:
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Placing great importance on promoting tolerance and reconciliation through interethnic and inter-religious dialogue, education and mainly history, art and culture and long term reconciliation initiatives.
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Improving the content of school books by doing away with negative stereotypes. Unfortunately inaccuracies abound in school textbooks throughout the Balkans, thus cultivating and maintaining the image of bad neighbours and fomenting negative feelings in the younger generations.
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Fostering effective cooperation among NGOs and governments, Intergovernmental Institutions, the business world and academia, in implementing a conflict prevention agenda.
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Fostering programmes conducive to respecting the cultural and religious heritage of each ethnic group and subsidising programmes for the restoration of monuments and churches that were destroyed during the conflicts.
Media Strategy: The Media can contribute substantially on a wide range of issues: changing mentalities, education, fostering good governance through various special programmes, social awareness raising on various issues (cultural diversity, gender equality, disarmament and small arms collection, etc.)
Reforming the Security Forces and addressing organised crime, corruption and paramilitary organisations:
We are committed to the following aims:
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Making the Armed Forces answerable to the elected powers
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Democratic Reforms in the Army and Police
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Cooperation programmes between the General Staffs of the countries in the region.
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Neutralising and marginalizing the armed groups involved in the Balkan conflicts creating institutions for the social reintegration of their members.
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Breaking off state links with paramilitary organisations putting a stop to their funding.
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Addressing corruption, which leads, inter alia, to economic regression and organised crime and paramilitary groups meddling in politics.
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Providing assistance for effective border patrols.
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Supporting efforts to collect small arms supplied to the public and organised crime. For more information on organised crime click here.
The significance of the economic dimension:
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Post-conflict management and a new conflict prevention strategy can be sustained only if the economic, social, regional and sub-regional dimensions of ethnic problems, such as unregulated competition in resource allocation, are addressed effectively. Therefore, policies must aim to create economic and social cohesion at both regional and national levels.
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Inclusion should always constitute a central factor in designing economic development and infrastructure policies, so as to ensure that all ethnic communities benefit from the expected positive results as regards living conditions and employment.
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Economic stagnation, high unemployment rates, insufficient fresh investment and lack of foreign direct investments, reduced industrial production, and lack of economic competition have resulted in cases of economic, social and ethnic exclusion. The so called brain drain has taken on endemic proportions.
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We are convinced that overall economic development and prosperity in SE Europe is impossible without concerted action to restore and interconnect the infrastructures of this region. To this end the SEECP must work with donor organisations and international economic institutions in order to apply cross border regional strategies (reinforcing infrastructure with emphasis on roads and energy).
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The countries of SE Europe should take full advantage of the conclusions drawn by European Agencies and Programmes, International Organisations and International Financial Institutions, with the purpose of attracting the required funding for the existing transportation projects, particularly those related to developing the Pan-European Transport Corridors.
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