战略与国际研究中心-Select-Briefing-Vol-3,-No-9_2页_275kb

CSIS New European Democracies Project Summary – March 10, 2006

Core Content

This summary provides an overview of political, economic, and international developments in several Central, Eastern, and Southeast European countries as of March 10, 2006. It highlights key initiatives, diplomatic efforts, and policy discussions relevant to the European Union (EU), NATO, and regional cooperation.

Central Europe

Czech Republic

• Health Preparedness: EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianu commended the Czech Republic for its preparedness against a potential bird flu pandemic. He met with Czech Health Minister David Rath to discuss the emergency plan and the need for a European strategic supply of antiviral drugs.
• Energy Cooperation: A Czech delegation led by Senate Vice-Speaker Peter Pethari visited Yemen, where they met with Deputy Premier Rashad al-Alimi to explore energy collaboration.
• EU Accession Support: Czech Economy Minister Milan Urban expressed willingness to assist Montenegro in joining the EU and the World Trade Organization (WTO). A protocol was signed with Montenegrin Economy Minister Predrag Boskovic to establish an institutional and legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

Hungary

• Election Debate: Hungarian parliamentary parties agreed to hold a TV debate on April 5, four days before the first round of general elections, featuring four prime ministerial candidates.
• Investment Opportunities: Hungarian trade development agency (ITDH) officials highlighted Bosnia-Herzegovina's interest in attracting Hungarian investments in steel, farming, tourism, and food processing. Hungary is ranked 51st among international investors in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
• Geothermal Exploration: A consortium including MOL, Vulcan (Australia), and Enex (Iceland) announced a USD 5 million investment in geothermal exploration in southwest Hungary, with potential for six power plants.
• Visegrad Four Discussions: The foreign ministers of the V4 states (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia) met in Budapest to discuss the outcomes of upcoming elections in Belarus and Ukraine, and the EU's plan to increase Schengen visa fees. Hungary currently holds the V4 presidency, which will transfer to Slovakia in June.

Poland

• NATO Airbase: A new NATO transport airbase is being established in Powidz, near Gniezno, expected to create 3,000 jobs and new housing for the local population.
• Katyn Issue: Polish officials criticized the Russian Military Prosecutor's Office for not recognizing the victims of the Katyn massacre as political repression victims, which has caused tension in Polish-Russian relations.
• Energy Security Pact: Polish Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz proposed an energy security pact with NATO and EU members to prevent political manipulation of energy resources.

Baltic States

Latvia

• KGB Records Disclosure: The Latvian parliament decided to open and publish the names of individuals who worked for the Soviet KGB, with over 4,000 files to be disclosed. The resolution also barred former KGB agents from voting or running for office.
• Economic Growth: The average gross monthly salary in Latvia increased to EUR 382 in the fourth quarter of 2005, up 16.9% from 2004, though still lower than in Lithuania and Estonia.
• Support for EU Policies: Latvia condemned press freedom restrictions in Belarus and called for free and fair elections, despite opposition from left-wing parties.

Lithuania

• Energy Cooperation: Lithuanian and Polish ministers met in Vilnius to discuss energy cooperation, including connecting the Baltic states to European energy resources. Lithuania plans to build a new nuclear power plant and has gained support from Latvia and Estonia.
• Feasibility Study: A joint feasibility study by energy companies from all three Baltic states will be conducted to assess the new reactor project, with results expected by November 2006.

Estonia

• EU Membership Support: A February survey by TNS Emor showed 68% of Estonians support EU membership, up from 62% in January 2006. However, only 46% support further EU enlargement.
• Military Mission to Congo: Estonia supports the EU's new military mission to Congo but will not participate due to concerns about increased financial commitments in Afghanistan and Bosnia.

Southeast Europe

Bulgaria

• Demographic Plan: Bulgaria announced a 15-year plan to address its demographic decline, aiming to increase birthrates from 1.2 to 1.5 children per woman by 2020. The plan includes financial incentives and housing credits.
• Privatization Projects: The state privatization agency announced bids for 24 major projects worth USD 400 million, including Bulgaria Air, VMZ, and several energy companies. Since 1993, over 9,000 privatization deals have been completed, with the state holding majority stakes in only 57 enterprises.

Croatia

• NATO Accession: NATO's political affairs assistant Martin Erdmann praised Croatia's progress toward NATO membership, emphasizing the need for broader political consensus and public support. However, U.S. envoy Victoria Nuland stated that Croatia is not yet ready to join and rejected the possibility of an invitation at the Riga summit.

Romania

• Military Facilities with the U.S.: The Romanian Senate debated a joint military facilities agreement with the U.S. and is likely to approve it for ratification by President Traian Basescu. Romania signed a 10-year agreement with the U.S. in December 2005.
• Journalist Charges: The OSCE urged Romania to drop criminal charges against two journalists accused of possessing classified materials, highlighting the need for legal protections in democratic societies.

Slovenia

• Euro Adoption: Slovenia requested to join the euro zone earlier than expected, with officials confident of adopting the euro by January 2007. A decision on euro adoption and the exchange rate will be made by European finance ministers in June.
• EU Leadership and Regional Relations: Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek met with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah, expressing support for Palestinian rights and urging Hamas to take responsibility. President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso praised Slovenia as a frontrunner among new EU members and highlighted its importance for EU-Balkan relations and regional stability.

Key Themes

• EU and NATO Integration: Several countries are actively pursuing closer ties with the EU and NATO, including through energy cooperation, military participation, and institutional frameworks.
• Historical Issues: Tensions persist over historical events such as the Katyn massacre, reflecting ongoing challenges in bilateral relations.
• Economic Development: Economic growth, privatization, and investment are central to many countries' strategies, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
• Regional Cooperation: The Visegrad Four and Baltic states are engaging in collaborative efforts to strengthen their political and economic positions within Europe.