战略与国际研究中心-Select-Briefing-Vol-2,-No-3_2页_142kb

Select Briefing Summary - January 28, 2005

Core Content Overview

This briefing covers recent developments in Central, Eastern, and Southeast European countries, focusing on political, economic, and defense-related updates. It highlights key events in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, the Baltic States, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania, as well as the broader context of EU enlargement and regional cooperation.

Poland

• EU Constitution Treaty Translation Errors: Polish media reported significant factual errors in the translation of the EU Constitution Treaty, which may distort the original document's meaning. This has led to a postponement of the Sejm debate originally scheduled for early February.
• Unemployment Rate: Unemployment in Poland rose to 19.1% in December 2004, up from 18.7% in November. This makes it the highest among current EU members, attributed to relatively high labor costs compared to neighboring countries.
• Government Goals: The Economics Minister aimed to keep unemployment below 19% and reduce it to 17% by the end of 2005.

Czech Republic

• EU Presidency: The Czech Republic is set to take the rotating EU presidency in June 2008, alongside France and Sweden.
• Deficit Reduction: The country announced plans to close down eight embassies in Africa and South America, and its consulate in Slovakia, to cut public spending and meet Eurozone standards.

Slovakia

• Privatization Plan: The Slovak National Property Fund plans to sell majority stakes in state-owned heating companies, valued at Sk 4-5 billion ($136-170 million), making it the largest privatization effort of 2005.
• Protests: City managers have protested the plan for two years, arguing against the sale.
• Peacekeeper Recall: Slovakia will recall 70 of its 273 peacekeepers in Cyprus, part of a UN plan to reduce presence on the island.
• NATO Exercise: Slovakia hosted a NATO military exercise, "CMX2005," simulating traditional conflict and terrorist scenarios, led by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

Hungary

• Support for Ukraine: Hungarian President Ferenc Madl met with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Kyiv to strengthen support for Ukraine's integration into the Euro-Atlantic space.
• Future Cooperation: Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány is expected to visit Kyiv in the first quarter of 2005.

Baltic States Update

Lithuania

• Moscow Visit Controversy: Debate continues over President Valdas Adamkus' potential attendance in Moscow on 9 May to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany, with opposition calling for a focus on Vilnius and a message against Soviet occupation.
• Public Discussions: Adamkus will make his decision after holding public discussions.

Estonia

• Regional Security: Estonian Rear Admiral Tarmo Kouts met with Nordic and Baltic defense commanders in Stockholm to discuss joining the Nordic battle group.
• Deadline for Deployment: The full deployment of the Nordic battle group is planned for 2008.
• Egypt Visit: Kristiina Ojuland became the first Estonian foreign minister to visit Egypt, emphasizing support for an independent Palestine and cooperation with the EU via the Barcelona process.
• Ambassador Appointment: Estonia plans to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Egypt, with reciprocal visits planned.

Latvia

• Euro Transition: Latvia is actively preparing to transition to the euro, following Slovenia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
• Exchange Rate Mechanism: Government and central bank officials will meet with the European Commission to initiate the exchange rate mechanism.
• Economic Compliance: Latvia must continue to meet EU economic guidelines, including state debt and inflation limits.
• Euro Adoption Timeline: Latvia expects to adopt the euro by 2008.

Southeast European Update

Slovenia

• EU Membership Negotiations: Slovenia and Croatia emphasized good relations but acknowledged the need to resolve issues like the sea border dispute and double taxation. A bilateral commission was set up to find solutions.
• Russia Relations: Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel met with the Russian Ambassador to discuss trade and cultural issues, as well as Slovenia's role in the OSCE.
• Military Participation: Slovenia is considering sending troops to Iraq to train security forces and may increase troop contributions to Afghanistan.

Croatia

• EU Accession: Croatia formally adopted a declaration expressing willingness to begin EU membership negotiations, set to start on 17 March 2005.
• War Crimes Sentencing: The Supreme Court reduced Zorana Banic's sentence from 10 to 6 years due to procedural issues.
• U.S. Support: The U.S. donated video equipment to Zagreb courts to aid in war crimes trials, with plans to expand this support to other towns.
• Land Ownership Amendment: A constitutional amendment was passed allowing foreign nationals to buy land in Bulgaria after EU accession, with restrictions based on residency and bilateral agreements.

Bulgaria

• Defense Company Privatization: Only one investor expressed interest in buying a 75% stake in Terem Holding, a state-run defense company. The tender includes eight of its subsidiaries.
• EU-JPC Meeting: The 19th EU-Bulgaria Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting in Sofia focused on Bulgaria's progress toward EU accession, especially in judicial reform, energy, and social issues.
• Unemployment Reduction: Bulgaria's unemployment rate dropped to a five-year low of 12.67% in 2004, driven by economic growth and government job programs.
• Land Ownership Amendment: A constitutional amendment was approved allowing foreign nationals to buy land in Bulgaria after EU accession, with the amendment expected to be finalized in February.

Romania

• EU Accession Discussions: Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu met with EU officials in Brussels, receiving praise for his country's commitment but also urging more reforms in judicial, trade, and environmental areas.
• Security Measures: Increased police protection was provided for President Traian Basescu due to rising assassination threats, linked to the country's anti-corruption campaign.

Key Themes

• EU Enlargement and Integration: Several countries are preparing for or undergoing EU accession, with discussions on meeting criteria and enhancing regional cooperation.
• Economic Challenges: Unemployment and public spending remain significant issues, especially in new EU members.
• Defense and Security: Military exercises, peacekeeper deployments, and security concerns are prominent in the region, with NATO and EU involvement.
• Privatization and Reform: Countries like Slovakia and Bulgaria are implementing major privatization and reform efforts to align with EU standards.