战略与国际研究中心-Select-Briefing-Vol-3,-No-20_2页_241kb

SELECT BRIEFING EUROPE EAST Summary

Core Content

This document is a summary of recent developments in Central, Southeast, and Baltic European countries, focusing on economic, political, and diplomatic activities. It is published by the CSIS New European Democracies Project, which monitors daily events in the post-communist states of Eastern Europe and those scheduled for EU enlargement.

Central European Update

Czech Republic

• EBRD Withdrawal: The Czech Republic plans to begin talks in 2007 for withdrawing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), following the lead of other new EU member states who will complete their withdrawal by 2010.
• Defense Infrastructure: The Ministry of Defense is planning to build a new central headquarters in Warsaw, similar to the U.S. Pentagon, to reduce administrative costs and streamline operations. The project is expected to cost over 1 billion zlotys and will be fortified against attacks.
• Economic Cooperation: The Czech-Russian Joint Working Group signed a protocol on economic, industrial, and scientific-technical cooperation, with 28 joint ventures planned across various sectors. The meeting took place in Prague on 23 May.

Hungary

• Investment Forum: Hungary hosted a forum with representatives from the West Balkans and Hungarian companies to promote investment in the region. The forum emphasized the potential of privatization, low labor costs, and good infrastructure.
• FDI in Croatia: Hungarian oil and gas company MOL has invested USD 500 million in Croatia, which has attracted the highest percentage of Hungarian FDI among the Balkans.
• OECD Proposal: Hungary's Economy Minister proposed harmonizing foreign investment policies with the Czech Republic to avoid unnecessary competition and improve strategic coordination.

Poland

• Military Intelligence Reform: The Polish government decided to dissolve the military intelligence service due to its failure to reform and purge communist-era officers. Two new agencies will be formed, including civilians.
• Pope's Visit: Pope Benedict XVI visited Poland from 25 May, including visits to memorials of historical events such as the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Auschwitz.

Baltic States Update

Lithuania

• GUAM Group Participation: Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus attended a meeting in Kyiv of the GUAM group leaders, including a signing ceremony and lunch with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
• High Food Expenditure: Lithuanians spend 31.8% of their income on food and non-alcoholic beverages, the highest in the EU.

Estonia

• Czech Presidential Visit: Czech President Vaclav Klaus made his first state visit to Estonia in over a decade, meeting with Estonian leaders and participating in a business seminar.
• Visa Waiver Proposal: U.S. Congressman John Shimkus urged Congress to allow Baltic states to join the Visa Waiver Program, criticizing the requirement of troop deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Latvia

• U.S. Investment Conference: A U.S. business and trade mission took place in Riga, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and Latvia.
• Visa Waiver Debate: The U.S. called for Latvia to be included in the Visa Waiver Program, with concerns over the current conditions.

Southeast European Update

Bulgaria

• Anti-Corruption Agency: President Georgi Parvanov proposed the creation of an independent agency to investigate high-level corruption, in response to EU criticism.
• EBRD Funding: Bulgaria and Romania will receive USD 700 million annually from the EBRD for the next five years, focusing on greenfield investments and SMEs.
• U.S. Military Bases: The Bulgarian parliament ratified an agreement for U.S. military bases on Bulgarian territory, with support from 150 lawmakers and opposition from 20.

Croatia

• Montenegro Recognition: Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader announced that Croatia would recognize Montenegro's independence, emphasizing a peaceful and democratic separation.
• Holocaust Acknowledgment: Croatia welcomed Montenegro's apology for its role in the 1991 war against Croatia.

Romania

• Energy Cooperation with Serbia: Romanian Minister of Economy and Trade met with Serbian officials to discuss energy and transport cooperation, aiming to sign a memorandum for an electricity grid.
• Holocaust Compensation: U.S. officials urged Romania to acknowledge and compensate Holocaust victims.
• Dracula Castle Return: Romania returned the Castle of Dracula to its U.S. owner, Dominic van Hapsburg, after it was seized by the communists 60 years ago.

Slovenia

• EU Presidency Coordination: Slovenian and French foreign ministers discussed their upcoming EU presidencies and agreed to form expert teams to resolve issues related to the European constitution.
• Montenegro Referendum Support: Slovenia expressed support for Montenegro's EU membership aspirations, noting satisfaction with the referendum's conduct.
• Human Rights Report: Amnesty International criticized the illegal expulsion of Roma in Slovenia and called for the restoration of their resident status.

Key Information

• Economic Development: Many countries are focusing on economic growth and investment, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and SMEs.
• EU Integration: Several nations are working towards EU membership or strengthening ties with the Union, with some already being members.
• Diplomatic Engagement: There is increased diplomatic activity, including meetings between leaders, cooperation agreements, and international events.
• Human Rights and Corruption: Issues such as corruption, organized crime, and human rights violations are being addressed, especially in the context of EU accession and international pressure.

Main Points

• The Czech Republic is preparing to withdraw from EBRD, signaling a completed economic transition.
• Hungary and the Czech Republic are discussing harmonizing foreign investment policies to reduce competition.
• Poland is reforming its military intelligence service and is hosting the Pope for a significant visit.
• Baltic states are seeking closer ties with the U.S. and are focusing on economic development and visa policies.
• Southeast European countries are addressing corruption, seeking EU support, and engaging in regional and international cooperation.