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Select Briefing Summary: Europe East - August 27, 2004

Core Content Overview

This briefing provides a concise update on political and military developments in Central, Eastern, and Southeast Europe, focusing on recent events in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the Baltic States, and Bulgaria, Romania. It also includes a summary of the Olympic Games medal tally as of August 27, 2004.

Poland

• Terrorism Concerns: A recent opinion poll showed that nearly 74% of Poles fear their country could become a target of terrorist attacks.
• Emergency Preparedness: 71% of respondents believe that the fire brigade, police, and ambulance services are unprepared for such emergencies.
• Security Incident: On the day the poll was published, the Polish embassy in Baghdad was attacked by mortar shells, though no casualties were reported.

Hungary

• Government Restructuring: The Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) nominated Ferenc Gyurcsány as the new Prime Minister following the resignation of Peter Medgyessy due to internal coalition disputes.
• Leadership Transition: Medgyessy officially resigned after the nomination. Parliamentary speaker Katalin Szili is expected to run for the MSZP chairman position.

Slovakia

• Military Commitment: Defense Minister Juraj Liska confirmed Slovakia's continued presence in Iraq, with the mission expanding due to worsening security conditions.
• Economic Development: The Ministry of Economy signed a memorandum of understanding with Austrian company Legend Australasia to establish a new plant in Slovakia, set to begin construction in late 2005 and create about 200 jobs.

Czech Republic

• Prime Minister's Survival: Prime Minister Stanislav Gross narrowly survived a confidence vote with 101 votes to 99.
• Political Tensions: His position is under increasing scrutiny from the opposition, which is expected to intensify as the 2006 general elections approach.
• Government Head Resignation: Pavel Pribyl resigned as head of the Office of the Government due to controversy over his past role in the 1989 anti-Communist protests.

Baltic States Update

Estonia

• Controversial Monument: A monument to the 20th Estonian SS division was unveiled in Lihula, prompting strong condemnation from Russia, which called it an "insult" to victims of fascism.
• Historical Context: The division fought against Soviet invaders during World War II, which has led to its symbolic recognition in Estonia.

Lithuania

• Regional Cooperation: President Valdas Adamkus emphasized the importance of Baltic unity in promoting their interests within the EU and building a competitive region.
• Diplomatic Relations: The new Latvian Ambassador, Armands Gutmanis, was appointed after serving as an advisor to the Latvian Foreign Minister.

Latvia

• U.S. Senator Visit: U.S. Senator John McCain visited Latvia and criticized Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenko for his authoritarian rule.
• EU Border Issue: Latvia expressed willingness to raise the issue of Belarus with the EU, while also highlighting the importance of resolving border disputes with Slovenia and Croatia.

Baltic Resistance Anniversary

• Historical Event: On 23 August, the Baltic states commemorated the 15th anniversary of the 600-km human chain against Soviet rule, a significant symbol of their struggle for independence.
• Current Relevance: The event gained new significance as the Baltic states have recently joined both the EU and NATO.

Southeast Europe Update

Slovenia

• Parliamentary Evaluation: Parliamentary Speaker Feri Horvat set 31 August for an extraordinary session to assess the government's performance.
• Border Dispute: A Slovenian citizen blocked the road to the Secovlje border crossing, reigniting tensions over the unresolved border issue with Croatia.
• EU Border Commission: Croatian President Stjepan Mesic reaffirmed the border as defined by the EU Badinter Commission, but Slovenian Foreign Minister Ivo Vajgl argued for bilateral resolution.
• Coastal Dispute: The Piran Bay issue remains contentious, with Croatia's plans for an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic not welcomed by Slovenia.

Croatia

• Defense Cooperation: Croatian Defense Minister Berislav Roncevic met with his Portuguese counterpart, discussing NATO and EU accession and strengthening defense sector collaboration.
• War Crimes Documentation: Goran Mihaljevic, a Bosnian Croat liaison officer, was granted access to Croatia's Central Archive to gather documents for the ICTY trial of six wartime leaders.

Bulgaria

• Troop Commitment: Defense Minister Nikolay Svinarov denied reports of reducing troop numbers in Iraq, reaffirming official policy.
• Military Privatization: The privatization of Terem, the largest military-industrial complex, has been approved, with a focus on involving Western companies in the army's modernization.

Romania

• Environmental Protest: Over 500 demonstrators protested the inauguration of the Bystroe Canal in the Danube Delta, leading to its postponement.
• Diplomatic Pressure: Romanian officials have urged Ukraine to halt the canal's construction until an environmental impact study is completed.

Olympic Games Medal Tally (As of 08/27/2004)

Key Points

• Security Concerns: Poland faces heightened fears of terrorism, with its emergency services criticized for unpreparedness.
• Political Changes: Hungary and the Czech Republic experienced leadership changes and political tensions.
• Baltic Unity: The Baltic states are working to strengthen cooperation and assert their positions in international organizations.
• Border Disputes: Slovenia and Croatia continue to face unresolved border issues, particularly around the Mura and Dragonja rivers and Piran Bay.
• Military and Economic Developments: Slovakia and Bulgaria are focusing on military commitments and economic modernization.
• Environmental and Diplomatic Issues: Romania's protests against the Bystroe Canal highlight ongoing diplomatic and environmental concerns.