Remarks presented by the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič at the 12th meeting of the Presidents of Central European States „How to complete the process of European integration“ Zagreb, 14. 10. 2005

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Dear President Mesić,
Dear Presidents,
Your excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

it was my pleasure to accept the invitation to take part in this exceptionally important and already traditional forum. Despite being at this summit for the first time, I have already had the opportunity to discuss with many of you the subject proposed by our Croatian host – President Mesič. I am especially grateful to the President for his hospitality and for giving us the rare opportunity to discuss the completion of European integration at this respectable regional meeting of Presidents.
My country and indeed myself believe that one of the most important means of building mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation is to strengthen our mutual contacts at all levels, which goes hand in hand with the sharing of information and experience. This is the only way for us to overcome any undesired divergence. In this context, we see European integration as a unique process to which there are no alternatives.
Having joined the European Union last year, Slovakia is encouraged to see that the enlargement process did not come to an end in this community. It would be harmful if the borders of the European Union were treated as something that was cast in stone. We fully endorse the accession of any European country that has declared its interest to become a member and has met the criteria for membership. As early as in 2007 we are hoping to see the “Club” welcome two of the countries that have graced us with their presence here today – Bulgaria and Romania.
However, several aspects of EU development lead us to think that the “old” members seem to be display signs of “enlargement fatigue”, which could be one way to look at the French and the Dutch “no vote” one the EU Constitutional Treaty. However, this by no means is indicative of doubts cast on the calls for the strengthening of the EU’s internal democracy, improved transparency of its activities and more flexible and effective decision-making processes.
Slovakia’s ambition is to operate in a responsible way as an active member of the EU. Then again, we do not regard its functioning and the enlargement process as two mutually exclusive facts. Therefore we view the ongoing enlargement as an affirmation of a modern, democratic and social Europe, which will undoubtedly be the road that leads us to further integration inside our old continent.
The people of the Slovak Republic are very pleased to see that our country, the transformation of our political life and the life of our society have served as an encouraging example to the countries of the Western Balkans in terms of successful integration into the democratic community. We discovered first hand how greatly the prospect of becoming an EU member may help countries in their transition from totalitarian regimes to democracy. We are pleased to see that our experience in transformation and integration has aroused some interest. It was actually in 1999 when the so-called “Bratislava process” was launched with the intent of sharing democracy building experience.

Today, the Slovak Republic has a broad and vibrant cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans. We pay special attention to official development aid, for which we put in place a dedicated vehicle – the “Bratislava – Belgrade Fund”. At present, my country is currently implementing or participating in more than twenty joint projects not only for Serbia and Montenegro but also for Albania, Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Without any doubt, however, the stability in this region will also depend on the solution of the situation in Kosovo. We are in support of the view that the solution of Kosovo’s future status must be widely accepted based on relevant resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council, and it must emanate from the fact that the current borders, which have been recognized internationally, need to stay unchanged. Furthermore, the solution should be the vehicle for a thorough implementation of democratic standards for minorities. Naturally, Kosovo’s future status must be identified by way of a direct dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina, because only this kind of dialogue can produce a new consensus-based model for Kosovo’s status and internal arrangement. It would be very hard to perceive this process as a legitimate one without the direct participation of Belgrade. We are aware of the fact that between February and April 2006, the issue of Kosovo’s status will be addressed and that Montenegro will hold a referendum on its separation from Serbia. In this context, we should ask ourselves the question as to whether Serbia is ready to accept the possibility of losing both territories. Moreover, it would be of no benefit to see the democratic forces in Serbia suffer a defeat as a result of this.

At this point I would like to highlight that the Slovak Republic has always supported the opening of EU accession talks with Croatia and we have done our share in making sure that the talks are opened. We appreciate that Croatia has managed to make the required changes in its system within a short period of time and therefore has fulfilled the basic criteria for the opening of talks, while providing necessary and constructive cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
Dear Presidents, distinguished participants
the activities of the Slovak Republic are not only aimed at delivering an appropriate measure of well-targeted assistance to the countries of the Western Balkans, but also at helping them in their effort to become part of the European integration process. Therefore I think the role for all of us – and not only those of us who are present here, but also the representatives of all European countries – is to effectively support the European integration process.
I realize that for some countries this means the implementation of political, economic and social reforms or even closer cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal. For other countries, the so-called “old” EU Member States, this mainly means creating more awareness inside the country about the need for enlargement and integration, as well as about the benefits that go with it. Even other countries may find their most difficult obstacles in identifying and implementing economic reforms to guide them back to competitiveness, growth and prosperity.
Whatever the case may be, European integration does not mean unification resulting in uniformity. We are talking integration that honours European diversity and distinctiveness. I do not expect the European integration process to be completed before long, as there are still many questions left open and unanswered. Nonetheless we have to do what it takes to build and complete a community – a place of civilizations, citizens, law and economic activity that is capable to hold its own with regard to sustainable development, effective cooperation and global competition.
Thank you for your attention.

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