Athens , 27 February 2010

Journalist: Can you explain Athens’ plan on the European accession of the Western Balkans, led perhaps by Serbia?

Mr. Droutsas: Greece’s objective is the accession of Western Balkan countries in the European Union, based on the criteria and prerequisites set by the Union. Our experience so far has proven that enlargement is one of the most effective tools at the disposal of the European Union for the consolidation of peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. But for a number of reasons relating to the so-called “enlargement fatigue” and the current crisis, among other things, the initial momentum for the Western Balkans’ European perspective achieved with the “Thessaloniki Strategy” – another Greek initiative taken during the Greek EU Presidency in 2003 – needs to be renewed. Taking all this into account, the Greek Prime Minister announced – just a few days after taking up office in October – a new Greek initiative, the “2014 Agenda”. Our objective is to breathe new life to the accession perspective of the Western Balkans, by making their integration within the European Union by 2014 a symbolic target. Our initiative’s objective is obvious: The European perspective following compliance with the necessary prerequisites is living and tangible. The future of every citizen in our vulnerable region lies with Europe. It is in their hands to win this future.

Journalist: Is this initiative just an encouragement for Western Balkan countries to keep up their reforms or does it play a bigger role as part of their European integration process?

Mr. Droutsas: Our objective is indeed two-fold. First of all, to renew the Union’s commitment to the region. Secondly, to turn the 2014 target date – a particularly symbolic date – into an incentive for the region’s countries to intensify their efforts to join the EU. This also includes the resolution of pending matters in the region on the basis of good neighbourly relations, which are a prerequisite for the Stabilisation and Association Process too. This is a symbolic but also substantial initiative, it is ambitious but feasible at the same time. The final outcome still relies on the efforts of the interested parties themselves. But it is also important for the EU’s will to be visible.

Journalist: Does your initiative also regard Kosovo? What is your take on Kosovo’s European perspective?

Mr. Droutsas: With regard to Kosovo’s status, Greece’s position is well-known and does not change. Our position is defined by full respect for international law. At the same time, we need to look forward. We must not let Kosovo become a source of further tension in Europe. This is precisely why we think that our “2014 Agenda” initiative has added value: it could work as a catalyst that will give fresh momentum to the dialogue for a diplomatic way-out. It could work as a channel to promote Europe’s role.

Journalist: Do you expect a positive response from your EU partners, given that certain countries have opposed the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement so long as cooperation with the ICJ is not complete?

Mr. Droutsas: As the oldest EU member state in its broader region, Greece presented its proposal to its partners. This initiative’s spirit has of course been understood by a number of partners. The recent joint letter setting out the priorities of the Western Balkans’ accession course, which I co-signed with Austria’s Foreign Minister, is included within this framework. It will be followed by other initiatives: I am certain that more and more of our EU partners realise that the Western Balkans’ accession is not an issue of “enlargement fatigue” and “rest”, but of the implementation of the Union’s vision for peace, stability, prosperity and good relations throughout Europe.

Journalist: Will the issue of Serbia’s application for EU membership be a topic for discussion at the EU institutions in the coming months?

Mr. Droutsas: Greece played a leading role in the adoption of the recent decision by the Council to “unfreeze” the Interim Trade Agreement. We are looking forward to a similar decision that will allow the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Furthermore, with regard to Serbia’s recent application for membership, our position is clear: we think that it should be examined – as in the case of other Western Balkan countries – in a fair and substantial manner. Serbia belongs in the European family and the sooner it gets its rightful place, the better it is, not just for Serbia but for Europe as a whole.