Estonia as a Litmus Test for Europe's Future
Address by Mrs Kristiina Ojuland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, 18 June 2002, London
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour to be here today, in this famous House that has academically and historically been at the very centre of British foreign policy research for more than eighty years. The Royal Institute of International Affairs has, over the years, brought together distinguished experts and eminent scholars, thus creating an environment for academic excellence in the field of international relations.
Today I would like to focus on two important foreign policy issues. As you know, later this year, two historic decisions will be taken – firstly, the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the Prague summit in November; and secondly, the European Union enlargement, at the end of this year, in Copenhagen. These enlargements will be the test of our readiness and ability to fulfil the responsibilities of NATO and EU membership. Bringing them to a successful conclusion will also require resolve on the part of the current member states.
First, NATO enlargement
The NATO Summit in Prague is the first historic summit scheduled to take place in the second half of this year. We know that decisions on enlargement will be based on performance and will be finalised in the autumn. Based on indications so far, however, a large enlargement looks more likely than ever.
While we are eager to secure an invitation, we recognise that our dialogue with NATO will not end at the Prague Summit. Prague will signal the start of a more extensive relationship with NATO. Our have troops have already participated in many NATO-led international peacekeeping operations, including the IFOR/SFOR operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
In order to preserve and increase security and stability in the Baltic Sea region, we have cooperated closely with many NATO countries, including the UK. With the help of the Nordic countries, Germany, the UK, and the United States, we have built strong defensive ties with our Baltic neighbours. The ultimate aim of this on-going cooperation is to create NATO-compatible armed forces that are skilled, effective, and deployable in any given situation and region.
Last year, Estonia carried out a major structural review of its defence forces. In the process we defined and clarified our mid- and long-term development plans according to NATO standards. Our aim is to find a place within the NATO structure that corresponds to our needs, and makes full use of our intellectual, political, and military potential. We will continue with our efforts to make our forces fully inter-operable with NATO forces.
Estonia is one of the few countries in Europe where the national defence expenditure is 2% of the GDP. We are committed to maintaining this level in order to continue to improve our military capabilities.
Recent polls show that the government has plenty of popular support for a decisive national defence policy – over 70%. The polls also show strong general support for joining NATO. About 60% of Estonian citizens are in favour of accession to NATO. We are pleased to observe, that since September 11, support among non-ethnic Estonians for our NATO aspirations has also increased (at the moment, around 30%). It is possible that this has been caused Russian participation in the anti-terrorist coalition, and new initiatives, such as the creation of a NATO-Russia Council (NRC). We welcome these initiatives, and hope to participate in this dialogue once we become a full member of NATO.
Let me now turn to EU enlargement
At the Laeken Summit last December, it was agreed, that the accession negotiations could be concluded with ten applicant countries by the end of this year. Estonia has closed twenty-six chapters so far. We are still working on chapters dealing with Agriculture, Taxation, Energy, and Financial and Budgetary Provisions.
The Spanish Presidency worked hard to bring the negotiations forward. We hoped that an agreement would be achieved on the issues of Energy and Taxation before the end of the Spanish Presidency, and that the Member States would reach a common position on Agriculture before the end of June, so that during the Danish Presidency we can focus on the remaining issues like Financial and Budgetary Provisions. Following yesterday’s discussions at the General Affairs Council, however, it seems that this will not be possible. Despite the Presidency’s best efforts, there is, unfortunately, still no draft common position on Agriculture. It is natural, that internal discussions within the EU become more heated in the final phase of the negotiations. But internal discussions should not hold up the entire process.
In practise, finishing negotiations in December should be possible. All the Member States have confirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on time, and have insisted that they do not want to hold up enlargement. Yet, recently, an increasing number of signals have unfortunately appeared, suggesting that enlargement could be delayed. Most often, it is argued, that upcoming elections in Member States might slow down enlargement. Others argue that a delay of a couple of months will make no difference in the larger scheme of things. That since enlargement has already taken several years, what difference will a couple of months more make. I do not agree. There is no such thing as a ‘small delay.’ At this late stage in the process, any and every postponement would have serious political repercussions.
Finishing the negotiations according to the agreed timetable is important for sustaining public support for EU membership in the candidate countries. Recent opinion polls show that public support in Estonia for joining the European Union is around 55%. Any unnecessary delays in the enlargement process, however, would render making the case for enlargement more difficult. A realistic enlargement timetable was agreed upon in Laeken, and it is crucial that we stick to it.
Sticking to a firm timetable in the final phase of the negotiations is also important from a tactical point of view. Previous accession negotiations have demonstrated that a fixed deadline places essential pressure on negotiators to reach an agreement on outstanding issues. As our Nordic neighbours – Finland and Sweden – have explained, the most crucial compromises were reached in the last hours of their accession negotiations. Postponing the end date will not make the reaching of an agreement easier.
I am optimistic that, with sufficient political will, compromises will be found to even the most difficult issues. The incoming Danish Presidency has repeatedly confirmed its aim to conclude negotiations on time. We are encouraged by this positive message and expect the Sevilla European Council to confirm it. We are also grateful for the strong political support that the UK has given the enlargement process. Since the launch of the accession negotiations, the UK has been a consistent supporter of enlargement and has helped bring the accession process forward. The Danish prime minister recently stated: ‘The will and energy of the presidency is not enough. All Member States, as well as the candidates, need to contribute.’
Enlargement, of course, does not depend only on the outcome of the negotiations. We are fully aware that the date of accession depends also on us - on our level of readiness. That is why, at the same time as we negotiate in Brussels, we are preparing for EU accession at home. This means, above all, making final adjustments to our public administration. Once our accession treaty is signed next spring, Estonian officials will be allowed to participate as observers in EU committees and working groups. It is crucial that we be well prepared.
We have also started to give thought to what our profile will be as a Member State, and are considering what issues we will want to pay particular attention to once we are an EU member.
We hope that the Commission’s Regular Report, due in October, will reflect our achievements. I am certain that accession to the Union will further enhance economic growth, increased employment, and help promote of the development of a competitive knowledge-based economy in Estonia. We are already sharing our knowledge and reform experience with other countries, such as Ukraine and Georgia. We support the British initiative of the EU “new neighbours” policy. The more democratic, stable, and prosperous that the countries neighbouring the Union are, the more prosperous and secure the Union itself will be.
Finally, a few words on Russia
In general, Estonia and Russia are moving towards a more balanced partnership. While there are still many bilateral issues that require additional work and effort from both sides, our contacts with Russian officials and parliamentarians have recently increased significantly. We support the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law and a market economy in Russia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a country that has been positively transforming during the past decade, Estonia has proven its flexibility and ability to change and transform. As a relatively small country, we are capable of introducing changes rapidly and efficiently. I believe that with our experience of rapid transformation, we can make a valuable contribution to both the EU and NATO.
Thank you.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour to be here today, in this famous House that has academically and historically been at the very centre of British foreign policy research for more than eighty years. The Royal Institute of International Affairs has, over the years, brought together distinguished experts and eminent scholars, thus creating an environment for academic excellence in the field of international relations.
Today I would like to focus on two important foreign policy issues. As you know, later this year, two historic decisions will be taken – firstly, the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the Prague summit in November; and secondly, the European Union enlargement, at the end of this year, in Copenhagen. These enlargements will be the test of our readiness and ability to fulfil the responsibilities of NATO and EU membership. Bringing them to a successful conclusion will also require resolve on the part of the current member states.
First, NATO enlargement
The NATO Summit in Prague is the first historic summit scheduled to take place in the second half of this year. We know that decisions on enlargement will be based on performance and will be finalised in the autumn. Based on indications so far, however, a large enlargement looks more likely than ever.
While we are eager to secure an invitation, we recognise that our dialogue with NATO will not end at the Prague Summit. Prague will signal the start of a more extensive relationship with NATO. Our have troops have already participated in many NATO-led international peacekeeping operations, including the IFOR/SFOR operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
In order to preserve and increase security and stability in the Baltic Sea region, we have cooperated closely with many NATO countries, including the UK. With the help of the Nordic countries, Germany, the UK, and the United States, we have built strong defensive ties with our Baltic neighbours. The ultimate aim of this on-going cooperation is to create NATO-compatible armed forces that are skilled, effective, and deployable in any given situation and region.
Last year, Estonia carried out a major structural review of its defence forces. In the process we defined and clarified our mid- and long-term development plans according to NATO standards. Our aim is to find a place within the NATO structure that corresponds to our needs, and makes full use of our intellectual, political, and military potential. We will continue with our efforts to make our forces fully inter-operable with NATO forces.
Estonia is one of the few countries in Europe where the national defence expenditure is 2% of the GDP. We are committed to maintaining this level in order to continue to improve our military capabilities.
Recent polls show that the government has plenty of popular support for a decisive national defence policy – over 70%. The polls also show strong general support for joining NATO. About 60% of Estonian citizens are in favour of accession to NATO. We are pleased to observe, that since September 11, support among non-ethnic Estonians for our NATO aspirations has also increased (at the moment, around 30%). It is possible that this has been caused Russian participation in the anti-terrorist coalition, and new initiatives, such as the creation of a NATO-Russia Council (NRC). We welcome these initiatives, and hope to participate in this dialogue once we become a full member of NATO.
Let me now turn to EU enlargement
At the Laeken Summit last December, it was agreed, that the accession negotiations could be concluded with ten applicant countries by the end of this year. Estonia has closed twenty-six chapters so far. We are still working on chapters dealing with Agriculture, Taxation, Energy, and Financial and Budgetary Provisions.
The Spanish Presidency worked hard to bring the negotiations forward. We hoped that an agreement would be achieved on the issues of Energy and Taxation before the end of the Spanish Presidency, and that the Member States would reach a common position on Agriculture before the end of June, so that during the Danish Presidency we can focus on the remaining issues like Financial and Budgetary Provisions. Following yesterday’s discussions at the General Affairs Council, however, it seems that this will not be possible. Despite the Presidency’s best efforts, there is, unfortunately, still no draft common position on Agriculture. It is natural, that internal discussions within the EU become more heated in the final phase of the negotiations. But internal discussions should not hold up the entire process.
In practise, finishing negotiations in December should be possible. All the Member States have confirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on time, and have insisted that they do not want to hold up enlargement. Yet, recently, an increasing number of signals have unfortunately appeared, suggesting that enlargement could be delayed. Most often, it is argued, that upcoming elections in Member States might slow down enlargement. Others argue that a delay of a couple of months will make no difference in the larger scheme of things. That since enlargement has already taken several years, what difference will a couple of months more make. I do not agree. There is no such thing as a ‘small delay.’ At this late stage in the process, any and every postponement would have serious political repercussions.
Finishing the negotiations according to the agreed timetable is important for sustaining public support for EU membership in the candidate countries. Recent opinion polls show that public support in Estonia for joining the European Union is around 55%. Any unnecessary delays in the enlargement process, however, would render making the case for enlargement more difficult. A realistic enlargement timetable was agreed upon in Laeken, and it is crucial that we stick to it.
Sticking to a firm timetable in the final phase of the negotiations is also important from a tactical point of view. Previous accession negotiations have demonstrated that a fixed deadline places essential pressure on negotiators to reach an agreement on outstanding issues. As our Nordic neighbours – Finland and Sweden – have explained, the most crucial compromises were reached in the last hours of their accession negotiations. Postponing the end date will not make the reaching of an agreement easier.
I am optimistic that, with sufficient political will, compromises will be found to even the most difficult issues. The incoming Danish Presidency has repeatedly confirmed its aim to conclude negotiations on time. We are encouraged by this positive message and expect the Sevilla European Council to confirm it. We are also grateful for the strong political support that the UK has given the enlargement process. Since the launch of the accession negotiations, the UK has been a consistent supporter of enlargement and has helped bring the accession process forward. The Danish prime minister recently stated: ‘The will and energy of the presidency is not enough. All Member States, as well as the candidates, need to contribute.’
Enlargement, of course, does not depend only on the outcome of the negotiations. We are fully aware that the date of accession depends also on us - on our level of readiness. That is why, at the same time as we negotiate in Brussels, we are preparing for EU accession at home. This means, above all, making final adjustments to our public administration. Once our accession treaty is signed next spring, Estonian officials will be allowed to participate as observers in EU committees and working groups. It is crucial that we be well prepared.
We have also started to give thought to what our profile will be as a Member State, and are considering what issues we will want to pay particular attention to once we are an EU member.
We hope that the Commission’s Regular Report, due in October, will reflect our achievements. I am certain that accession to the Union will further enhance economic growth, increased employment, and help promote of the development of a competitive knowledge-based economy in Estonia. We are already sharing our knowledge and reform experience with other countries, such as Ukraine and Georgia. We support the British initiative of the EU “new neighbours” policy. The more democratic, stable, and prosperous that the countries neighbouring the Union are, the more prosperous and secure the Union itself will be.
Finally, a few words on Russia
In general, Estonia and Russia are moving towards a more balanced partnership. While there are still many bilateral issues that require additional work and effort from both sides, our contacts with Russian officials and parliamentarians have recently increased significantly. We support the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law and a market economy in Russia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a country that has been positively transforming during the past decade, Estonia has proven its flexibility and ability to change and transform. As a relatively small country, we are capable of introducing changes rapidly and efficiently. I believe that with our experience of rapid transformation, we can make a valuable contribution to both the EU and NATO.
Thank you.
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