Opening Address Delivered by President Georgi Parvanov
at the opening of the Thirteenth Summit of Heads of State of Countries from Central Europe
19-05-2006 09:30 |
Varna, Riviera Holiday Club
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First, I would like to welcome you to Varna, the seaside capital city of Bulgaria, and to thank you for accepting my invitation to take part in this Thirteenth Summit of Heads of State of Countries from Central Europe.
The fact that, for the first time, Bulgaria is hosting such a highly representative meeting is definitely a recognition for my country and for the efforts made by my people. I am confident that the Thirteenth Summit and the thirteen Heads of State present here will take an active stand not only on the issues of the nature and the future of this initiative but also on the major issues of the national and the European agendas.
Both geographically and historically, dear colleagues, Central Europe has been a link for our continent. It is here that the development of the countries in the region clearly exhibits, clearly projects the dynamics of transition from the past to the future of Europe. It is no by accident that well-established and old democracies coexist in our region with very new democratic states which have emerged on the political map in recent years.
This also explains why today the western part is reflecting on the future of Europe while the eastern part is eagerly trying to traverse, in just a few years, the path which the old member states have traveled in several decades.
This also accounts for the reason why Bulgaria and Romania expected with such dramatic excitement the latest monitoring report of the European Commission. A report which was to issue an opinion as to our preparedness for membership in the European Union. The explanation this ambition does not include only the fact that in spirit and in self-confidence the peoples of our region have always been European. It is not merely the institutions, it is the people who realized a long time ago that historic sentiments do not suffice for EU membership. It is all about a different se of arguments. Rather, the expectations are that finally the huge amount of efforts and sacrifices, the painful reforms on the way to EU membership will produce results.
We should not forget that the decisions which the European institutions will need to take in the upcoming months will largely determine the European future of the Western Balkans, where Croatia has successfully started its accession negotiations, Macedonia is about to launch on its way, and the other three countries are on the threshold of signing a stabilization and association agreement with the European Union.
Yet we know that in these countries there are still issues outstanding that were inherited from the bloody fission of Yugoslavia. In just two days, a referendum will be held in Montenegro, where the citizens will practically rule on the destiny of the Serbia – Montenegro community. In Vienna, negotiations are underway to determine the fate of another part of this community, Kosovo. Bosnia and Herzegovina is faced with the challenge of the necessary constitutional reform. Some key figures wanted by the Tribunal in the Hague are still walking free.
That is why it makes the democracy in these countries exceptionally fragile, and its strongest support and protection can be only the clear European perspective for the Western Balkans. And that depends to a large extent on the successful accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.
I am confident, dear colleagues, that the next, sixth, enlargement of the European Union, which will assess by merit the individual progress made by each of the candidate countries, will correspond to the maximum extent to the requirements, to the recommendations of the 2003 Thessalonica Agenda of the EU for involving the Western Balkans.
The European economy stands to gain from this additional market of a population of about 100 million. European security will gain from the inclusion of this territory which has its strategic significance and location. And finally, the European cause will gain, because along with the successfully developing Baltic region, the good example of the prosperous Balkans would serve as a powerful catalyst for the stepped-up development of Ukraine, Moldova, the Caucuses republics.
In these reflections, my rationale stems from the example of the five new EU member states from the region of Central Europe. They have proved in a definitive way that many of the concerns of the old member states as to the Fifth Enlargement have been unnecessary. What is more, the new member states have brought a new impetus and a new dynamism to the economic development of the Old Continent, and that – only within two years after the accession date.
Distinguished colleagues,
Two more remarks, this time on the nature of our work.
Already, there have been quite a few occasions that bring us together in a similar format. There are many forums, permanent or ad-hoc, at which we discuss similar topics. We need to look for linkages among these issues, for the coherent development of subject areas, of ideas, from one forum on to another, and to ensure that there is no encapsulation and inconsistency of messages. To this end, I have also invited President Adamcus, who hosted another representative forum earlier this month.
Secondly but not less important. I hope we will be increasingly pragmatic in our gatherings, and achieve a maximum effectiveness in discussions. Our common adherence to a set of shared values is already beyond any doubt. We do not need to prove it every time. Today, we are expected to face the issues that are common to our region and our continent and explore feasible solutions.
This explains also the topic of the business forum, but I hope that the major issue of the importance of infrastructure in the region, in particular, the issue of public/private partnership, will provoke your thoughts on other issues key to our development.
In closing, I would like to relay the apologies of our colleagues who, for health reasons or other reasons of domestic nature, were unable to join us at this forum. We have received a letter from the newly elected President of the Republic of Italy, Mr. Napolitano, in which he writes, “I regret that I am unable to take part in this forum because I believe that the discussions in Varna can make a significant contribution to reinforcing our shared ideal of a Europe united by the fundamental values and capable of working effectively towards protecting the interest of all Europeans. Strengthening European integration, above all, through the signing of the Constitutional Treaty, is vital to the success of the enlarged Europe and its relations with its neighbouring states and the Balkan states. I am confident that Bulgaria, which has always had Italy’s support along its way to Europe, will successfully prove its ability to deliver on the commitments undertaken before the European Union, in view of its accession in January next year.” The letter goes on to relay wishes for the success of the Thirteenth Summit of Heads of State.
With this, I would like to conclude my introductory remarks. Thank you for your kind attention.
13th meeting of the Heads of State of the Countries of Central Europe
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