Athens, 11 June 2007

Greece’s vision for enlargement in the Western Balkans

The discussion on the future of Europe concerns principally how the states and peoples of Europe see their common course evolving; who they want as travelling companions; what role they want the European Union to play in the years to come.

The notions of deepening and enlargement are pivotal in this discussion. Since the ‘big bang’ enlargement of 2004, there has been talk in many member states of ‘enlargement exhaustion’. In short, it is being argued that deepening should take precedence over enlargement.

Greece differs with this view, because we have a different vision of the future of Europe. We want to see a Europe that is politically and institutionally stronger and geographically larger. We believe that enlargement and deepening can and must move ahead in tandem, one process nurturing the other. We have a twofold objective: on the one hand to ensure the cohesion and institutional effectiveness of the Union, and on the other to keep the Union open to those peoples who are looking to it for a better future. This very clear stance is of particular importance in view of the commitment we have made to the countries of Southeast Europe regarding the future enlargement; an enlargement that will take place provided these states meet the criteria and conditions of the European Union. And when they do satisfy these criteria, the European Union must honour its commitments, thus safeguarding its credibility, its power and its future.

The prospect of the next enlargement is of particular importance to Greece because it concerns our neighbouring states; the states of the Western Balkans and Turkey. We have made the strategic choice to actively support the European perspective of these countries, provided they satisfy the criteria and prerequisites for accession. It is our conviction that this perspective is the strongest guarantee of peace, stability and development in our wider region.

It is our vision to achieve in our region what France and Germany achieved in the wake of World War II: not just to live in peace, but, through cooperation, to create a cumulative sum of stability and prosperity for all. For half a century now, the prospect of accession to the European Union has been the greatest force for reform in the states of this continent. Today, it is the catalyst. It is the powerful incentive that the states of our region need to build democratic institutions and promote the reforms necessary for the modernisation of their economies.

European integration is an extroverted, living organism; a ongoing process of renewal and adaptation. In Greece’s view, its dimensions are ordained by clear principles and values that are an integrated, indivisible entity. Those who adopt it – who bring it about – have a place in the European family. This was the case with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria on the first of this year, showing that states that meet the conditions for accession become full members of the Union. And it is based on this criterion that the accession negotiations are moving ahead with Croatia and Turkey, despite the difficulties being experienced by the latter. And the other states of the Western Balkans will be judged in the same way along their difficult course toward Europe.

The accession of Romania and Bulgaria has bolstered Greece’s strategic role and strengthened its position as a political, financial and energy hub for the wider hinterland. At the same time, our country is guiding historical developments in the region, actively supporting the European perspectives of all the countries in the Western Balkans. Through the European adaptation of all of these countries, it is our goal for this region – once known as the ‘powder keg’ of Europe – to be transformed into a region of peace, democracy, development and prosperity.