战略与国际研究中心-Select-Briefing-Vol-3,-No-11_2页_242kb

Central European Update Summary

Economic Developments

• Czech Republic:

  • The Czech economy experienced a 6% GDP growth in 2005, the highest in Europe.
  • Fourth-quarter GDP growth reached 6.9%, indicating strong economic momentum.
  • Foreign direct investment (FDI) doubled to USD 11 billion, projected to create over 21,000 jobs in the next three years.

• Hungary:

  • Hungary leased twelve single-seat and two double-seat Gripen JAS-39 fighter aircraft from Sweden, with the squadron expected to be operational by 2009.
  • The aircraft will replace Hungary's aging MiG-29 fleet.
  • The defense ministry plans to purchase weaponry from Raytheon (U.S.), Zeiss (Germany), and Rafal (Israel).
  • A new passenger terminal was opened at FlyBalaton airport in Sármellek, set to host Ryanair flights from London Stansted starting 4 May 2006. The airport is expected to attract 80,000 passengers in 2006.

• Poland:

  • Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz presented Warsaw's energy security policy at the EU summit, comparing it with the EU's "green book."
  • Poland threatened to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials over the imprisonment of opposition activists and alleged fraud in the presidential elections.
  • The country supported Croatia's EU membership and emphasized cooperation within the Visegrad Four.

• Slovakia:

  • Defense Minister Martin Fedor met with the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, Rodolphe Vallee, discussing U.S. support for Slovakia's defense modernization.
  • Slovakia expressed support for Ukraine's NATO and EU accession and offered assistance in education and scientific cooperation.
  • The country's visa regime toward Ukraine may be tightened due to EU regulations.

Political and Security Developments

• Bulgaria:

  • Reached an agreement with the U.S. for the joint use of military bases, including Novo Selo, Bezmer, and Graf Ignatievo, for up to 10 years.
  • The agreement is pending parliamentary approval and includes plans for infrastructure upgrades.
  • Parliament approved the sale of 99.99% of Bulgaria Air, with the government retaining a "golden share."

• Croatia:

  • Lulzim Krasnqi, an Albanian with alleged ties to organized crime, was killed in Zagreb.
  • The country was recognized for its tourism potential by EU officials, with prospects growing after EU accession.
  • Prime Minister Ivo Sanader emphasized that Croatia's and Turkey's EU membership bids should be evaluated separately.

• Romania:

  • Trade with Russia increased by 51% in 2005 to USD 3.56 billion, with expectations of reaching USD 4 billion in 2006.
  • Romania signed a military cooperation plan with Bosnia-Herzegovina to support its NATO bid.
  • The Economy Ministry received 1.4 million euros in EU PHARE funds to improve capacity for future EU funding.

• Slovenia:

  • Rejected a memorandum of understanding for an Adriatic oil pipeline project due to environmental concerns.
  • Resigned Minister of Social and Economic Reforms Joze P. Damijan over a dispute with Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk regarding the privatization of Nova Ljubljanska Banka. The cabinet later stated that the resignation was for personal reasons.

Regional Cooperation and Enlargement

• The EU summit in Brussels highlighted the importance of energy security and infrastructure development for the region.
• The Visegrad Four (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia) emphasized the need for joint policy positions in Brussels.
• The Czech Republic's military police contingent returned from Iraq, with plans for continued troop deployment until 2006.
• The New European Democracies Project (CSIS) provides this briefing, monitoring developments in the East, Central, and Southeast European regions.

Key Points

• Economic Growth: The Czech Republic led Europe in GDP growth in 2005, driven by FDI and job creation.
• Infrastructure Development: Hungary and the Czech Republic are modernizing transport systems, with Hungary focusing on natural gas stations and the Czech Republic on public transport.
• Defense Modernization: Hungary is transitioning to the Gripen fighter jet, while Slovakia and Poland seek U.S. support for defense upgrades.
• EU Enlargement: Croatia and Turkey are seeking EU membership, with support from regional leaders and concerns about Belarusian authoritarianism.
• Trade and Diplomacy: Bulgaria and Romania are strengthening ties with Russia, while Slovenia and others are cautious about new infrastructure projects.
• Regional Collaboration: The Visegrad Four and other Central and Eastern European nations are working on shared policies and cooperation with the EU.