THE WORLD IN 2009: A YEAR FOR EUROPE?

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here with you and I would like to thank the European Policy Centre for the invitation to address such a distinguished audience. Since its launch in 1997 the EPC is well known for its excellence and I am pleased to see that it continues its highly-respected work.

It is at particularly turbulent times that I find myself here with you. We are living through a harsh winter. The wounds inflicted by the economic crisis are deep, and the pain is felt across our continent and indeed the world.

If 2008 left us with a bitter taste of the global financial crisis, 2009 brought in a new set of questions with war raging in Gaza. In the summer of 2008, horrifying memories of the past came back yet again to haunt the Caucasus with war returning to Europe. The New Year has been overshadowed by the events in the Gaza strip and the disruption in the flow of energy from Russia and through Ukraine.

Of course I wouldn’t be a politician – and a politician in Greece for that matter – if I weren’t a born optimist. Thus I would like – in good consciousness- to state here that every crisis presents an opportunity if there is vision and commitment from the parties involved.

One thing is clear: We in Europe have a long and winding road ahead of us. Whether in Vienna or Tallinn, Helsinki or Athens – we face common threats and challenges abound.

With this in mind allow me here to examine closer the challenges we are facing on two levels. First, that of the OSCE which Greece has the honor to chair for the year 2009 and second, that of the European Union.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Greece assumes the OSCE Chairmanship at a time when the quest for security in our region has become ever more complex. At a time when rapid, unpredictable change seems to be the only constant in international relations.

In these circumstances, I believe the OSCE remains a vital point of reference within the UN framework.

The OSCE is the only regional forum that encompasses the wider Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions. It is also rooted in a unique, ambitious concept of security based upon shared values, agreed commitments and the fundamental dignity of the individual.

The strength of the OSCE lies also in its extraordinary ability to adapt to Europe’s changing needs and challenges. For over thirty years, our Organization has stood by the peoples of our region in their efforts to realize a vision of stability, democracy and progress for all.

Situated at the very heart of Europe’s security architecture, the OSCE is uniquely placed to act as a pivot of stability in relations between State, and within them. Lasting peace cannot be built on zero-sum calculations. The inclusiveness and the consensus decision-making of the OSCE, if matched with sustained political will, can be our greatest strengths. In 2009, Greece is committed to act as an «honest broker» in addressing some of the divisions that have opened among our participating States in recent years. Openness, transparency, and the will to build consensus will guide our efforts.

Three ideas that will guide the Greek Chairmanship – the three S’s:

·The search for synergy between all participating States for promoting our co-operative, indivisible and cross-dimensional security.

·The pursuit of strategy to design more effective ways to achieve our common goals of guaranteeing stability, security and cooperation in the OSCE area.

·The concern for symmetry of efforts in dealing with new “asymmetric threats” and old challenges.

We need each other more than ever, and I pledge that forging stronger ties will be the promise of the Greek Chairmanship.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Despite the global challenges we face, the European Union seems to find itself on the psychiatrist’s couch, struggling to come to terms with itself. It is easy and effortless to blame the Brussels elite or national pro-European political figures for failing to understand the plight of the average European or for the 862,000 “ungrateful” Irish who are holding the Union hostage. Neither could be further from the truth.

The past few years have seen an alarming wave of latent and manifest anti-Europeanism. This is not the Euro-scepticism of old. It all starts with the deceptive “we are in favour of Europe”. To be followed by a disclaimer, a loud and resounding “…but”: “Yes, …but a different Europe. A more social, more democratic Europe, more transparent Europe closer to the citizens. A Europe less bureaucratic, less neo-liberal, less centralized.”Supported by strong vested interests with powerful connections in the world of business and media populism, such disclaimers erode popular support for the European project at large.

In the backdrop, our ageing European societies are becoming more and more inward-looking and pessimistic. It seems the greatest ill – tiredness and the lack of historic memory – has taken the place of hope and vision, a vision that forged the successful Europe of today and has seen exemplary achievements such as a common currency, a single market, a space without border controls, a zone of peace and freedom.

Unprecedented success stories that, sadly, are taken for granted.

Instead, as of late, Europe has become the scapegoat for most if not all the evils of globalization and modernization. And it is those in Europe who are the most vulnerable, those who fear being left behind, who succumb first to the sirens of populism.

The time, ladies and Gentlemen, has come to look back and remember. The Union did not come this far in its historical evolution on auto-pilot. As all experiments, the European experiment is unique and unprecedented but far from miraculous. There was a vision and determination; there was commitment, political will and extraordinary boldness in words and deeds that paved the way for the confidence we have today in our common identity, the confidence we have to speak up. Even if it is to say “no”.

The crisis in the Caucasus demonstrated that only a united Europe, one speaking with a single voice, continues – even in the midst of such adversity – to live up to the initial idea of building peace and ensuring security for all, within and outside its borders. The EU took immediate action. Under French presidency and the leadership of Nicholas Sarkozy, the Union and its member states responsibly and effectively addressed the conflict. The EU brought to the table practical solutions, quickly putting an end to the unacceptable violence. What better expression of EU principles: non-violent, commitment, political will and fairness in words and deeds?

The Gaza conflict, currently dominating the headlines, mobilized once more European diplomacy. We failed to bring about a timely ceasefire and we have to draw our lessons. Yet, the initiatives undertaken, the humanitarian aid and the visits of the delegation of European leaders in the area were not merely symbolic gestures of solidarity. Instead our actions during the conflict accurately portrayed the need for a Europe right at the centre of events.Whether it is by sending humanitarian aid or diplomatic efforts to halt violence, Europe has a moral obligation to be a leader in our unpredictable and complex world.

Particularly in view of the new US administration, we must assess the global role of the European Union so as to contribute to world peace and stability. We need a strong Europe with one voice. I have no illusions that there are different views within Europe but I would like to see a Europe that has an equal and co-supplementary relationship with NATO and with the USA. A relationship that would highlight soft power, which can turn into real smart power if we act appropriately.

Of course, we still have a long way to go. We must set new goals and learn from our mistakes. We owe that much to our common dream. But we are running out of time.

European Parliament elections in June 2009 invite us out of standstill and into action. Mind you, this time it is not a vote between left and right, liberals, socialists and conservatives. Mainly it’s about those who are for and those against Europe. It’s about contrasting worldviews and competing visions of the future about engagement or self-isolation.

Our message must be clear. Let’s drop the “Euro-speak”, the constructive or deconstructive ambiguities and the diplomatic jargon that stifle communication. Let’s be sincere as we talk about the scores of European achievements we made and continue to make with direct impact on our daily lives. Let’s come together as one, bring our problems to the table and find viable solutions. We succeeded in doing so in the past few weeks under pressure. We can also do so in the future, convincing our societies that our national interests are better served under a single European roof. We have to prove that the sum of our joint efforts is greater than the parts.

In these trying times, in the face of unpredictable challenges, we have two choices: we can retreat and withdraw into isolated national entities encouraging an inward-looking mentality that can take us only so far – at best simply arming us with the capacity to react to the challenges others pose in the future.

Or, on the momentum of this constantly changing world, we can open our minds and our boundaries, utilise our national potential, motivate each other through fair competition and then dynamically employ all these individual national strengths towards the benefit of all involved. Making the future ours!

Opponents of Europe have gone out of their way to poison the public into voting against. It‘s time we gave our people all the reasons to cast their bid for a united Europe. This is a campaign that is ours to win.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Turning to our neighborhood I would like to point here that a Europe without the Balkans is incomplete. For there is no other way than the European integration for Greece’s neighbors to escape their past of conflicts and engage the world. Peace and prosperity for all is only guaranteed within the European family.

As the region’s oldest NATO and EU member, Greece feels a heightened sense of responsibility for our neighborhood; an obligation to be constructive, supportive and practical. In 2003, the European Union, during the Greek Presidency, outlined a European perspective for the region. Coupled with NATO enlargement, the EU prospect is an important driving force for these countries: it provides them with the impetus to make the necessary change and reform. The road to NATO and the EU fosters peace, breeds security and provides space for viable and sustainable development.

But the road may be difficult and demanding and in spite of progress there is a lot of work to be done. Above all good neighbors require good relations. As you probably know in the past few years Greece has been in negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over its name, under the auspices of the UN. Despite our good will and our sincere efforts these negotiations have not been successful. Greece is greatly concerned with the monopoly of use of the name Macedonia by FYROM and not so for sentimental reasons. Geographically more than 50% of the broader region of Macedonia belongs to Greece. There should be a solution that reflects the reality of the ground. We want a mutually acceptable solution; an agreement without winners or losers. However the government of Mr. Gruevski appears set at securing political gains through short-sighted populism. Recent decisions only serve to show the world that he does not believe in the negotiations taking place.

As far as we are concerned we must remain hopeful despite a lack of encouraging signs from the other side. Above all we hope that the leadership of Skopje will have the clarity necessary to take decisions for the good of its people, moving away from nationalist rhetoric and anachronistic practices.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Last week the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to Brussels for talks with European Union officials on Turkey’s membership bid. Turkey also appointed a new chief negotiator to lead the country’s membership negotiations. We welcome this effort for a greater engagement with Europe. We very much hope that this will be the marking of a new policy towards the EU.

Greece is a strong supporter, and has proved it over the years, of Turkey’s European orientation. This came as a surprise to many. Yet, we believe that a Turkey within the EU will prosper and help achieve regional peace and prosperity and that includes improving its bilateral relations with Greece. A democratic Turkey will be an asset for Europe, the region and itself.

Our support for Turkey is naturally offered under the same rules and principles which apply to each and every EU candidate. This is the same process for everyone – the one for example that Greece had to go through. There is no Europe-a-la-carte. Whether one has a population of 700.000 or 70 million.Hence, our support can not be unconditional. It relies upon Turkey honoring her commitments and promises.

Turkey has taken certain steps forward, in the reform process. There are still, nevertheless, a number of outstanding issues to be addressed. These issues for example concern amongst others, the consolidation of the democratic system in that country, as well as the respect of minority rights, freedom of religion and expression.

In the same spirit, good neighbourly relations and adherence to International Law, are also of capital importance. Indeed, having followed Turkey’s presence in the Middle East one can hope that the same determination will be put into its efforts for greater security and stability across all of its borders, including those with Europe.

Last but certainly not least allow me here to turn to Cyprus. Greece continues to co-operate closely with the Republic of Cyprus to find a just, lasting, and functional solution for the reunification of the island after 35 years of Turkish occupation. A solution which will allow the two communities to live side by side and prosper. Any such solution must take into account that Cyprus is now a member of the European Union and European principles and norms apply to it.

In 2008 we welcomed the beginning of a new effort, within the UN framework, with direct talks between the two sides. We hope that this new effort will achieve an agreed settlement, which will terminate the Turkish occupation and reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship.

I would like to finish, ladies and gentlemen, by saying that we are going through a period of change, a period of transition. We are part of a Europe that is changing as the world around us is changing. The challenges we are facing are complex and new but we have reason to be optimistic that we will succeed, in our quest for a better, prosperous and egalitarian world. We have the strength to do so through the EU, the OSCE and our countries with their rich democratic traditions.

Aristotle said that “man is by nature a political animal”. In the turbulent times we live in it is the inherent values of democracy and humanism that determine our path to progress, peace and prosperity for all.

I am looking forward to our discussion.

Thank you.