Young Macedonian Politicians Promote EU Membership

February 16th, 2012   Education | Macedonia | The European Union

Young politicians from Macedinia visiting the Commission in Brussels.

Macedonia is one of the current candidates for a future EU membership. More than 85 percent of the population supports a membership in both EU and NATO. But before entering either of the two organizations, the sensitive naming dispute with Greece must be resolved.

As part of the EU integration project in the Balkans, the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation invited youth politicians from the party in power in Macedonia – VMRO-DPMNE – to a conference in Brussels, February 7-10, 2012.

The group of enthusiastic young politicians visited major EU Institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

In the Parliament, they met with Anna-Maria Corazza Bildt, who described her work as a Member of Parliament. At the Commission, EU experts Willem Noë and Mark Corner summarized the history of the Union.

The participants’ key area of interest was, as is to be expected, the enlargement of the EU. The Macedonians were eager to receive information about when their country could become a member, but understandably no-one could give them anything but a general timetable for the process.

Moreover, discussions about membership were in focus during the meetings at the NATO headquarters. Due to security matters, Macedonia regards a NATO membership as even more important than a membership in the EU. In 2008 the country was ready to join the European/North American defense alliance, but was blocked by Greece.

“In our country, everyone discusses politics”, one of the participants said. 21 years have passed since declaring its independence and Macedonia is still in an extensive transition phase. However, one thing is clear: the wish to be part of Europe is one of the top priorities of the new generation.

SDA from Bosnia Visits Brussel and the EU

February 14th, 2012   Bosnia and Herzegovina | The European Union

Participants fron Bosnian SDA and Klas Hjort in front of the European Parliament.

On January 23-26 the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation organized a study visit of young politicians from Bosnia and the party SDA, to Brussels and the EU. The first daybegan with a much appreciated visit to the European Parliament. The participants met, among others, with Christina Lutz, Head of staff of the Moderate Party in Parliament. They also visited MEP Anna Maria Corazza Bildt who shared her experiences from the Balkans and the issues currently being discussed within the EU, including the financial crisis and family rights.The visit ended with a tour of Parliament led by Klas Hjort who works for MEP Christofer Fjellner of the Moderate Party. After an interesting morning in Parliament the afternoon was spent at the Commission, lerning about its role within the EU family.

On the second day’s morning, the Bosnian participants meet with the Bosnian Ambassador to the EU, Osman Topčagić, followed by a bus trip to NATO. Three meetings were planned at the NATO, the last one with Ambassador Branimir Jukic, who is Bosnia-Herzegovina’s ambassador to the NATO. The participants were highly interested in NATO and its activities. In the morning of the last day – before leaving Brussels in the afternoon – participants visited the Council of Europe and met Maria Sevdali who talked about how the Council operates, key policy issues and how it is to work with a rotating presidency.

EU-Education Completed in Serbia

February 13th, 2012   Serbia | The European Union

Suzana Grubješić, Deputy Chaiman G17Plus, talking about the European Union.

On January 20 to 22 the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation organized a conference in cooperation with G17 Plus in Serbia. The theme was ”Political branding and EU integration”. The location of the conference was the city of Nis, about three hours’ journey from Belgrade. This was the last conference in a series of three parts.

The first day started with Klas Hjort, who works for Christopher Fjellner European Parliament, talking about how the EU works, how to influence and why Europe matters. In the afternoon of the first day Suzana Grubješić, who is deputy leader of G17Plus, paid a visit to the conference. She spoke about European integration from a Serbian perspective. (more…)

Croatia New EU-member 2013 – and Serbia to Start Talks about Membership

October 17th, 2011   Articles | Croatia | Serbia | The European Union

In a report issued on October 12, the EU Commission stated “that Croatia meets the political criteria and [the Commission] expects Croatia to meet the economic and acquis criteria and to be ready for membership by 1 July 2013.” At the same time the Commission recommended that the Council grant Serbia the status of candidate and give green light for accession negotiations with Montenegro.

In a set of annual reports – issue on October 12, 2011 – the Commission informed on the progress towards EU accession made by the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Iceland over the past year. (more…)

EU imposes new restrictive measures against Belarus

October 10th, 2011   Articles | Belarus | Free Belarus | The European Union

16 new individuals have been added to the list of those who are responsible for repressions and human rights violations in Belarus. The individuals on this list are banned from traveling to the EU. In addition, the assets in the European Union, of the listed persons, will be frozen.

Today the Council of the EU has reviewed sanctions against the Belarusian regime for its crackdown on opposition, repressions against civil society and independent journalists, as well as violations of international electoral standards during the presidential elections 2010.

Nearly 200 people were already subject to an asset freeze and travel ban.

Read the pressrelease

Tymoshenko Stays in Arrest

August 8th, 2011   Articles | Foreign Policy | The European Union | Ukraine

Today Monday August 8, 2011, during the hearing of Yulia Tymoshenko’s criminal case, the Court dismissed an appeal from the former prime minister to release her from jail. Last Friday Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine’s top opposition leader and former prime minister, was arrested during her own trial following the judge’s decreed she was guilty of “systematically” disrupting proceedings. Yulia Tymoshenko was led from the courtroom and transferred to a detention centre under heavy police escort.

According to the judge there is no reason to change the decision regarding arrest because, in the appeal from Yulia Tymoshenko’s defense, there is no objective explanation in accordance with the Ukrainian law.  (more…)

New sanctions against Lukashenka

June 20th, 2011   Articles | Belarus | The European Union

The ministers of foreign affairs of the European Union met in Luxemburg discuss further sanctions against the regime of Belarusian president Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

The foreign ministers strongly condemned the politically motivated detentions, trials and sentencing of representatives of the democratic society, the independent media and the political opposition, including several presidential candidates. The Council of the European Union also imposed travel restrictions and assets freeze on several key persons. In addition, the Council decided to impose an embargo on Belarus on arms and materials aimed for internal repression. Finally, it decided to freeze assets of three companies linked to the regime. (more…)

Finally – Ratko Mladic Arrested

May 26th, 2011   Articles | Foreign Policy | Serbia | The Balkans | The European Union

Today’s arrest of the Bosnian Serb wartime military leader Ratko Mladic is welcomed by numerous leaders in the international community. Ratko Mladic was indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) on 25 July 1995 and was a fugitive from justice for almost 16 years. “Ratko Mladic has been the most wanted ICTY fugitive and his arrest is proof of the readiness of state to fulfill all international obligations as well as those of domestic law ” said Suzana Grubješiæ, Vice President of G17 PLUS – a sisterparty of the JHS. She added that all those accused of the worst war crimes must be brought to justice.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, welcomed the arrest of Bosnian Serb wartime military leader Ratko Mladic as a very important step for justice and regional reconciliation. So did Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament saying:

“I welcome the arrest of Ratko Mladic and congratulate the Serbian authorities. The arrest is good news for Serbia, for the stability of the region and gives new impetus to Serbia’s EU accession process. His arrest is convincing proof of Serbia’s efforts and cooperation with the ICTY.” (more…)

Wider sanctions against Belarus

May 24th, 2011   Articles | Belarus | Foreign Policy | The European Union

The sanctions against Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus have been widened. Today almost 190 individuals are barred from entering the EU.

The Council of the European Union has imposed wider sanctions against the Belarusian officials adding 13 new names to the black list, most of them working in the country’s judicial institutions, others in universities and schools. The Council stated that the restrictive measures imposed on the Belarus was adopted “… following the recent sentences on the former presidential candidate Sannikaw and on a number of members of the political opposition and civil society”. (more…)

Conference on the Developments in the Balkans

May 14th, 2011   Albania | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Croatia | Macedonia | Seminars | Serbia | The Balkans | The European Union

Oskar Öholm greeting Nicola Lazic. Flaked by Stefan Dragojevic, Kire Ilioski and Jens Ahl.

On May 13-14, 2011, the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation organized a round-table conference with leaders from cooperation partners in the Balkans. The conference focused on the continued integration of the Balkan states into Europe as well as other aspects of the European Union.

 

“The Countries in the Balkans have to push for membership. The EU never invites anyone to join,” said Walburga Habsburg Douglas, MP and member of the Hjalmarson Foundation board. Her view was shared by the participants. (more…)

Release of a New Book: Balkan Blend

May 12th, 2011   Seminars | The Balkans | The European Union | Uncategorized

The anthology was discussed following a presentation of the book made by MP Walburga Habsburg Douglas.

The authors in Balkan Blend, a new anthology published by the Hjalmarson Foundation, all describe – from their different views – the advantages of an EU membership for the Balkan countries. The book does not give any final answers and the views sometimes go apart, for instance in regards to the Kossovar independence.

An audience of about 40 people attended the release of the book <i>Balkan Blend – The Road to Renewal/i> on May 12. After a few words of welcome from the Chairman of the Foundation, Göran Lennmarker, Walburga Habsburg Douglas, MP and a Hjalmarson Foundation board member, gave a brief introduction to the eight texts in the book. “The anthology does not present any consensus opinion and the views sometimes differ,” Walburga Habsburg Douglas noted. She explained that all the writers, from their different views, describe the advantages of an EU membership for the Balkan countries. “I hope this presentation will encourage you to delve further into this book,” Walburga Habsburg Douglas summarized. (more…)

Georgian Youth: Great Interest in the EU

April 4th, 2011   Education | Georgia | The European Union

On March 28-31, participants from the youth organization of Georgia’s governing party, the United National Movement’s (UNM) made a study visit to Brussels. The four-day program arranged by the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation included visits to the European People’s Party’s headquarters, European Commission, NATO headquarters, Embassy of Georgia and European Parliament.

The purpose of the visit was primarily to raise awareness about the European Union and understanding of the membership process in  the next generation of Georgian politicians. The participant also had time to network and made important contacts for the future.

A EU- and NATO-membership is of highest interest for the UNM youths. The main topic of discussion during the study visit was Georgia’s European integration but also the NATO enlargement process.

A First Verdict against the Opposition in Belarus

February 19th, 2011   Articles | Belarus | The European Union

Vasil Parfiankou, a member of the campaign team of former presidential candidate Uladzimir Niakliajeu (Tell the Truth), was on January 17, sentenced to four years of imprisonment. He was accused of committing a crime under Par. 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, mass riot. In addition he was fined almost $5,000 for damaging state property, I.e. broken glass of a Governments building in the Independence Square, during the protests following the presidential election December 19, 2010.

Vasil Parfenkov partially admitted his guilt. When asked by the Court why he took part in the demonstration, Vasily Parfenkov answered: “To express my disagreement with the official voting results”. (more…)

SDA from Bosnia visited EU

January 29th, 2011   Bosnia and Herzegovina | Education | The European Union

January 25-28 the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation organized a study trip to Brussels for a group of young politicians from the Party for Democratic Action, SDA, from Bosnia.

The program included visits to the European Commission, European Parliament, European People’s Party and NATO. Participants also had the opportunity to meet and talk  the to the Bosnian Ambassador to the EU. In the European Parliament the group met with the Swedish MP’s Anna Ibrisagic and Christopher Fjellner, who both spoke about various aspects of their work in Brussels and their home regions. The participants were happy with the visit and explained that it is of great importance to gain a deeper understanding of, as well as the opportunity to discuss, Bosnia’s relations with the European Union and NATO.

In the photo: Christofer Fjellner, MP, when meeting with the SDA representatives.

Macedonia’s Membership in the EU

November 17th, 2010   Macedonia | Seminars | The European Union

80-90 percent of Macedonians is for the EU and also NATO membership, said Vasko Naumovski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs in the Macedonian government when he, on November 17, spoke at a breakfast meeting arranged by Hjalmarson Foundation. Vasko Naumovski spoke in reference to the European Commission’s annual Enlargement package, presented on 8 November, and the progress made in Macedonia. “Sweden welcomes the accession negotiations with Macedonia,” said the Foreign Ministry and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt at the time when the EU report was released.

A group of diplomats and moderate members of Parliament were invited to listen to Vasko Naumovskis views on EU membership. The picture he gave was multifaceted. On the one hand, the Macedonian progress is mainly in the political sphere, on the other hand, Greece still stalling the membership negotiations. This applies to the name Macedonia, which also is the name of a province in Greece:

“It is as if Russia would oppose Europe called Europe since much of Europe is in Russia. Or that Moldova can not be called Moldova since there is a province in Romania with the same name”, said Vasko Naumovski. When asked what the name issue means for ordinary people in Macedonia, he replied: “In opinion polls 80 percent of the respondents answer that national identity is more important than membership in the EU and NATO.”

Vasko Naumovski added that he and his government is certainly willing to compromise to resolve the name issue; to overcome this obstacle to EU membership. And by the way, he said, this was already done in 1995 when Macedonia changed its flag. He was cautiously optimistic, explaining that today the Prime Ministers of both countries meet to talk. This was unthinkable just a few years ago. Nothing concrete has yet come out of this. ”But of course we are willing to compromise!”

Visa Free for Albania and Bosnien Herzegovina

November 8th, 2010   Albania | Articles | Bosnia and Herzegovina | The European Union

Citizens of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina possessing biometric passports will be able to travel without visa to the Schengen area.

This decision will enter into force the day following the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. “The visa-free regime is the best proof that reforms at home bring tangible benefits for citizens and progress in relations with the EU. We can build on this in order to further the reforms needed to bring the two countries closer to their European aspirations”, said Mr Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy. With this decision, the two countries join the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia who have already benefitted from the visa free regime since 19 December 2009.

 

High Level Conference about the Balkans and the EU

May 8th, 2010   Albania | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Croatia | Macedonia | Seminars | Serbia | The European Union

 

Standing are Minister for Foreign Affairs Antonio Milošoski from Makedonien (to the left) and Genc Pollo, Minister for Innovation and ICT in Albanien.

May 7-8, the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation arranged a round table conference on the EU integration of the Balkan countries. The participants were high level politicians from the Foundation’s sister parties in four Balkan states. The group consisted of some 20 politicians including two ministers – the Macedonian Minister for Foreign Affairs Antonio Milošoski and Genc Pollo, Albanian Minister for Innovation and ICT.

Among the issues discussed at the conference were membership and security in the Balkan region. Göran Lennmarker, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs and the Chairman of the Foundation, reminded the participants that although the path to a membership may seem endless to the Balkan countries, the situation was once the same for the Baltic states. Today, those countries are all EU-members.

Numerous participants noted that Sweden is the most enlargement-friendly member of the Union. In addition, they emphasized that this, the third Balkan conference arranged by the Foundation, constituted an excellent opportunity to “openly discuss problems and exchange experiences among friends”.

The participants discussed obstacles on the path to  full EU membership – such as bilateral conflicts. Nevertheless, the participants agreed that there is indeed a development in the right direction.

- Since we met last time, we have achieved visa freedom for, for example, Serbians, said Nikola Lazic, Serbian parliamentarian and International Secretary for the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS).

The participating parties where Albanian Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë, Bosnian Partija Demokratskog Progresa and Stranka Demokratske, VMRO-DPMNE  from Macedonia and Serbian Demokratska Stranka Srbije and G17Plus.

 

Doors of Europe Opening to Georgia

April 28th, 2010   Articles | Georgia | The European Union

“I very warmly welcome today’s recommendation by the European Commission to make a significant step in opening the doors of the European Union to the Georgian people” said Gunnar Hökmark, MEP and Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group responsible for the Eastern Partnership.

“Facilitating travel into and around the EU is crucial for people to people contacts and conducive to good relations between the EU and Georgia”, said Hökmark commenting on today’s proposal of the European Commission to conclude visa facilitation and re-admission agreements with Georgia. (more…)

EU Setting Higher Goals for Development Aid

April 22nd, 2010   Articles | Development Aid | The European Union

The European Commission wants to speed up EU’s progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Commission proposes better effectiveness of aid by  coordination of national aid programmes. The action plan sets out a possible EU position ahead of the UN Summit on the MDGs this September.

In 2009, the EU aid level has slightly decreased and amounted €49bn. This corresponds to 0.42% of EU GNI, leaving the EU far from meeting the intermediate collective target of 0,56% GNI by 2010, before reaching 0.7% EU GNI by 2015. The EU remains the most generous global donor, providing over half of global aid. (more…)

Major Political Leader Discussed Eastern Partnership

October 17th, 2009   Eastern Europe | Seminars | The European Union

Top: Petro Poroshenko. To the left: Rasa Jukneviciene. Small photos from the top: Temuri Yakobashvili and Alexander Vershbow

The discussions in these annual conferences are always informal, and should not be cited elsewhere. In that way, an open and constructive channel for debate is created. This is most appreciated by the participants:

“It’s not just the sessions, but also the discussions during the breaks and dinners” explains Dag Hartelius, Swedish Ambassador in Warsaw. Joining the seminar for the fifth time, Hartelius was one of the close to 50 participants participating in the seminar.

Several participants were enthusiastic about the network which has been built up during previous conferences. The appointment of Andrius Kubilius and Rasa Jukneviciene, both frequent visitors to previous conferences, as the Lithuanian Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, was seen by many as a positive sign.

The list of participants this year includes several ambassadors, party chairmen and ministers from Austria, Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, the US and Sweden. The delegation from Georgia, which included the minister of reintegration, Temuri Yakobashvili, found its home country to be the topic of debate at several occasions during the conference. During an intermission, he asked for increased political pressure on Russia to live up to signed treaties regarding the occupied areas in Georgia. Without foreign pressure, he claimed, this will never come true.

The visa issue is also of major importance to Mr. Yakobashvili, and a priority shared by most countries neighbouring the EU. Gerald Knaus, the Austrian chairman of the European Stability Initiative, explained that the Balkan countries, which have fought for an increased freedom of visas to the union, will be able to travel freely into the EU member states within a year. For some of the countries, this might come true already at the start of the new year.

“Previously, the Interior Ministers in the EU countries used to block visa reform, referring to security measures, while the Ministers for Foreign Affairs used to argue in favour of it. However, two years ago, the EU decided to state certain criteria for countries aiming for visa freedom. This has been a success. Today, three out of six Balkan countries have already implemented the EU-criteria – Macedonia has fulfilled all the criteria whereas Serbia and Montenegro have managed to realize most of them, according to Knaus.

In his view, countries like Georgia and Turkey should try to get permission to start the same process, which he considers “strict but fair”.

Within the frame work of historical events falls the visit of the Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Visby seminar. Petro Poroshenko had been Minister for a mere seven days when arriving in Visby. Due to the unstable situation and the conflicts between President Viktor Yushenko and Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko, the seat as Minister for Foreign Affairs had been vacant for eight months.

“I have been appointed by the President and confirmed by the Prime Minister” Petro Poroshenko explains during a coffee break in Visby.

He views his appointment as a sign of good luck for the future political climate – and for the Presidential election in the beginning of next year. It is his ambition to be able to present his country with one voice in the important EU-Ukraine conference, held in Kiev on December 4, 2009.

Energy policy was one of the topics discussed during the Visby conference. In this area, Petro Poroshenko has a straight forward position: Ukraine should be added to the EU energy policy “based on a memorandum dating March 23 2009”. This reflects on an energy agreement between the European Parliament and the EU members striving for more efficient energy markets.

Such an increased efficiency is of utmost importance for Ukraine. The idea is to modernize, thereby significantly decreasing the need for energy, Petro Poroshenko explains. In essence, this could imply complete energy independence for Ukraine. The most important aspect is not, says Mr Poroshenko, independence from Russian gas but “an increased efficiency in the Ukrainian industry”.

The neighbouring countries’ relations to Russia were of great concern for the participants. “Where is Russia heading?” being the primary question, a question with multi dimensional answers.

For Rasa Jukneviciene, Lithuanian Defence Minister, the issue of Kaliningrad, is of national interest. While being formally part of Russia, the Kaliningrad region is geographically severed from Russia and is situated by the Baltic Sea, bordering Poland and Lithuania. According to Jukneviciene, the smuggling of tobacco and oil products from the region into Lithuania is a problem. In addition, the Russian military personnel and equipment stationed in Kaliningrad is being upgraded. For the neighbourhood, the common military Belarus-Russia exercises, which are being held in Kaliningrad and Belarus, are also of major concern. Putin’s ascent to power has also altered the situation.

“Previously, Kaliningrad enjoyed some independence, and people could travel more,” Rasa Jukneviciene explains.

Nowadays, decisions are to a larger extent taken in Moscow. A concern is also the anti- European views which are spreading in Russia. “As a result of propaganda, many Russians find Lithuania, Georgia and other neighbouring countries to be main threats to Russia”.

Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, Deputy Defence Minister, responsible for international security, joined the conference from Washington DC. He assured the participants that the Obama administration has Europe in mind – the whole of Europe. “However”, he added on the topic of Russia’s neighbours, “I understand how worried they are”. Vershbow argued that “the interest of minor states should not be negotiated away”, while dealing with Russia. Moral support is important, he claims. As is the possibility for common Russians to visit western countries.

”It is important to provide visa and financial support so that i.e. Russian doctors and local politicians may visit the US to see the available alternatives to politics in their home country.

Foreign minister Carl Bildt participates in the conference for top politicians arranged by JHS 16-18 October, 2009.

 

 

A Force for Food: EU after the Lisbon Treaty

September 16th, 2009   Reports | The European Union

Author: Göran Lennmarker, Chairman of the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation

Read the report

Reports About EU Enlargement and Development Aid

June 22nd, 2009   Articles | Development Aid | Foreign Policy | The European Union

Two reports have been issued by the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation in regards to the Swedish chairmanship in the EU, starting July 1, 2009. One report concerns enlargement and is written by Member of Parliament, Walburga Habsburg Douglas. The title is “Searching for more EU members”. The second is written by Christian Holm, Member of the Swedish Parliament. Focusing on development aid policy, it discusses how the payment policy of today could be turned into a tool for real development.

 REPORT ON ENLARGEMENT

”20 years after the fall of the Berlin wall, it is time to once again discuss the basic principle of the European Union: to promote peace and stability” Walburga Habsburg argues in her report on enlargement, while emphasizing that Sweden within the EU family is considered to be the most enlargement-friendly country. “During the Swedish chairmanship, several challenges in this area are expected”. To facilitate the entrance into the European cooperation, Walburga Habsburg proposes the introduction of a support system, to some extent inspired by the Scandinavian support to the Baltic countries when they entered the Union.  During the membership negotiations, Estonia primarily was supported by Finland while Sweden worked as a mentor to Latvia and Denmark to Lithuania.

“They got hands-on advice but were also granted access to huge networks and lots of knowledge. This support system worked splendidly and should be offered to every country applying for membership. Today, the most suitable support countries would be those who joined the Union in 2004. They still have vivid memories of problems and bureaucratic obstacles and are thus capable of offering plausible directions”, Walburga Habsburg claims.

She notes that there are many within the Union who want to slow down enlargement until the Lisbon treaty is fully implemented and thereby increases the “absorption capacity”.

“This kind of argument can not be accepted. All European countries which fulfil the Copenhagen criteria have the right to apply for membership. The role of the EU is to negotiate so that the prospect of membership can be realized.”

Having given a brief historic background, starting from the end of WW1, Walburga Habsburg moves on to put forward the geographic areas which today are subject to the enlargement prospect. In her view, Sweden should focus on the following areas during the chairmanship: Balkans, The Black Sea Region, Caucasus, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Iceland. 

Members in the Balkan Region

As stated in the report, there is an interest in all of the Balkan countries to belong to Europe and to the European Union.

“Having almost completed its negotiations on EU membership, Croatia is next in line to join. The EU commission itself has said it is possible that the negotiations will be completed during the Swedish chairmanship, which means that the ratification process could begin during Swedish chairmanship. This is, to say the least, a thrilling prospect”.  Currently, only one problem remains. The country has a border dispute with Slovenia, its northern neighbour.  However, Walburga Habsburg stated, “EU has taken a major decision that bilateral conflicts are not to block membership negotiations, a decision which also has impact on other bilateral conflicts between current members and candidates”. With this in mind, she finds it “certain that Sweden, during its chairmanship, should strive to close the negotiations between EU and Croatia”.

Turkey as an EU Member

Turkey’s membership in the European Union has been discussed for several years. The Swedish parliament is unanimously in favour of a Turkish membership. All the parties that are represented in the parliament support this decision. “Turkey is the bridge between Europe and the Middle East, and they need to get our support in their effort to democratize the country”, Walburga Habsburg states, while adding that the war in Gaza “clearly proved that we need to tie closer the moderate forces in the region to avoid further conflict. In this quest, Turkey plays an important role”.

Using the Baltic Sea Region as a role model, as peaceful waters where most of the countries belong to the European Cooperation, the Black Sea region is a priority during the Swedish chairmanship. It may be too soon to discuss EU membership for the Caucasus countries, Walburga Habsburg admits. “However, it should be kept in mind that 21 years ago it seemed equally amazing to discuss Poland or Hungary as members. These countries are today well established members in the EU community”.

The Last Dictatorship in Europe

Belarus is often called the last dictatorship in Europe. In her report, Walburga Habsburg, emphasises the important role of the Belarusian opposition. She hopes that the recently founded Eastern Partnership could constitute the beginning for cooperation between the opposition and the EU.

“Giving the opposition an opportunity to make their voices heard and to contribute to the development of the EU co-operation may cause change, also in the torn Belarus.” 

Read the report

REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT AID

The EU development aid is unknown to most people. Thus, Christian Holm, starts out with a few striking facts in his report, EU aid – from payment to development.

“56 percent of all official development aid is distributed by EU and its member countries. The net value in 2006 was 47 billion Euros, corresponding to 100 Euro per capita. In comparison, the American aid makes approximately 53 Euro per capita while the Japanese is 69 Euro. He furthermore argues that “in spite of EU being the world’s largest aid contributor, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Denmark are the only countries, apart from Sweden, that have managed to reach the UN’s recommended target of 0,7 percent of GNI.” The overall goals of the EU development aid policy are mostly articulated adequately, according to Holm, who would like to see Sweden as a driving force for giving the EU a sharper edge in the aid area.

Holm writes “As a result of the Swedish experience we ought to recommend the EU to focus on chosen, prioritised, areas. At the same time, it should be clearly stated that the development of democracy and democratic institutions as well as a well functioning judicial system is a necessity for being able to reach most of the millennium goals”. With the Swedish experience at hand, the government should, in Holm’s view, be able to suggest how to tie up some of the loose ends that are still imminent in the EU aid and development aid policy. “First and foremost, there is a lot that needs to be done in order to streamline the EU aid and make it more result oriented.”

Sweden Pushed Forward

Sweden has pushed for a streamlining of the EU aid, a strife that Holm believes should be intensified during the Swedish chairmanship. The size of the EU and the amount of involved actors and institutions make the need for evaluation imminent. Christian Holm welcomes a more substantial role of enterprise in the development aid. In the report, he stresses that “The possibility to base projects in enterprise has several advantages. As financers the actors in the market have an interest in following up and evaluating projects. In general they stand for a strong result oriented culture.”

Aid canalized though micro credits and financial help could assist in building a base for entrepreneurship and an economic base, as well as widening the country’s production curve, writes Holm and states that an “improvement of the developing countries terms of trade as well as trying to establish a well functioning inner and outer market also implies the power to shape their own future.”

The report claims EU has the power to use its strength and size to ”strive for a real free trade”, thereby moving towards a more just and democratic trade policy. The author emphasizes the need to counter-act “subsidies, import quotas and other trade barrier”.

Sweden and Four More

Except for Sweden, there are only four countries that have been able to reach the aid target on 0,7 percent of GNI, set by the UN. EU has set a common goals for its member states in a 0,7 percent of GNI, at latest by 2015 (in 2006, the EU countries reached 0,42 percent of GDI). Christian Holm said it is “reasonable to speed up this process and push on the member countries to live up to their aid commitment, thereby making the EU aid more powerful”. Calling for a reform of the DAC policy towards a greater flexibility, he says such change would make possible a better adaption to each individual situation. “Aid to democracy development, for example by strengthening political, democratic, and freedom striving organizations, should be improved and developed through such a shift of direction. The possibilities for party affiliated organizations to help democratic sister parties in countries in for example Eastern Europe, would thus increase.

Read the report

Text: Elisabeth Precht