This is not an official record of the proceedings and specific remarks are not necessarily attributable.
Summary:
On 12 February 2003 the IRRI-KIIB invited the foreign minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, to give a lecture to discuss how far a united Europe should expand. Mr. De Bock, Vice-president of the IRRI-KIIB, welcomed Minister Rupel.
"At the time, Slovenia and other republics of the former Yugoslavia were
declaring that they wished to leave the Balkans - and join Europe". What is the
definition of 'Europe', a name for the first time formulated in the Balkans, in
ancient Greece? Where lie its borders? Should Slovenia advocate enlargement in
the East? What is the role of Russia in the future European order? What are the
binding elements for the European project?
Europe as an geographic, political and cultural notion
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the "Yougoslav Wall" the European
Union had the opportunity to unite Europe. However, how far should Europe
expand? The basis for considering where the borders of Europe lie, should be the
definition of Europe not only as a geographical, but also as a political and
cultural notion, stressed Rupel. Now the majority of experts are convinced that
Europe is an independent whole. The real problem, according to Rupel, is
defining the eastern border of Europe.
Balkans joining Europe
Most of the Balkans were part of the Turkish Empire for centuries and Islam was the predominant religion. Nevertheless this region had been considered as belonging to Europe. At present the majority thinks South-Eastern Europe deserves a chance to join the Union.
Like Greece, Slovenia supports the position that the EU and NATO must expand
across the entire Balkans, confirmed Minister Rupel. "I support first Croatia's
membership and then the rest of the Balkans. Croatia at least deserves to be put
in the same category as Romania and Bulgaria", added Rupel. Stability and
democratic development in the Balkans are important.
Defining Europe's eastern borders
Rupel recalled the issue of the integration of Turkey. Some European statesmen expressed their doubts as to whether it is a suitable country for entry. Rupel noted that Turkey has shown a great willingness to carry out reforms. The EU should therefore further encourage Turkey to continue along this path. "Turkey can constitute a bridge between the Western and the Islamic worlds", he said.
What about other countries geographically belonging to Asia or Africa expressing their wish to start accession negotiations, like Morocco?
Rupel pointed out that the EU should be willing to accept new members if they meet the required criteria. The European project should not be defined by geography, neither by the prevailing religion of a country.
What is the role of Russia in the future European order?
Today, we can say with a certain reservation that Russia is a 'democratic country' with a functioning market economy. According to Rupel, Putin's Russia is a credible EU partner, but the question remains: what would its integration into the EU imply? What would Russia gain and would Russia be annexing Europe? Opinions on Russia are divided.
Will Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova form the eastern borders in the near future?
Rupel recalled that they will not join the EU in the 2004 enlargement, but the
EU's concept of an "enlarged Europe" already gives them a special place.
Binding elements for the European project
In conclusion, Minister Rupel asked where we should draw the line when envisaging the EU's future borders. "Slovenia should advocate enlargement in the east, we don't want to be the last station", he said. The European project should be flexible and should not be bound by a definition limited to geographical or religious criteria. Furthermore the real question is: 'What binds Europe together?'.
Now, European identity is linked with enlargement. Only a united Europe may act
as a global player. Rupel further proposed the following "glues": the
participation of EU citizens, the freedom or liberty to identify as a nation,
the future of Europe as a global protector of democratic values.