战略与国际研究中心-Select-Briefing-Vol-2,-No-6_2页_137kb

SELECT BRIEFING Summary - February 18, 2005

Core Content Overview

This summary provides an update on political, military, and economic developments in several Central, Eastern, and Southeast European countries, with a focus on their relationships with the United States, NATO, and the European Union (EU). It highlights key events and policy discussions in the region during early February 2005.

Central Europe

Poland

• U.S. Visit: President Aleksander Kwasniewski visited the U.S. and met with President George W. Bush.
• Military Support: The U.S. pledged $100 million for the modernization of the Polish armed forces, drawn from a $400 million "solidarity initiative" fund.
• Travel Restrictions: The two leaders discussed a "road map" to ease travel restrictions for Poles to the U.S., which includes nine points but no specific timelines.

Czech Republic

• Political Crisis: Prime Minister Stanislav Gross faced pressure from the Christian Democratic Union (KDU-ČSL) over allegations of misusing public funds for a luxury flat.
• Resignation Call: KDU-ČSL leader Miroslav Kalousek demanded Gross' resignation, which the prime minister rejected.
• Governing Coalition Tensions: The Freedom Union is considering a caretaker government, while the opposition Civic Democrats pushed for early elections.
• Military Deployment: The Czech Republic plans to send 40 additional troops to Afghanistan and may send more police instructors to Iraq.

Slovakia

• Nuclear Plant Dispute: Slovak officials denied Austrian claims that the Mochovce nuclear plant poses a threat to Austria, asserting it meets EU safety standards.
• Troop Deployment: 101 Slovak troops are heading to Iraq, with 97 returning. Six will remain, and two will join NATO forces in Iraq, increasing the total to 109.

Hungary

• Russia Relations: Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány met with Russian leaders in Moscow, emphasizing closer economic ties and increased trade.
• Infrastructure Projects: Russian companies are involved in Budapest metro expansion and Paks power station development.
• Regional Cooperation: Hungary seeks to enhance cooperation between NATO and Russia, believing it is crucial for Euroatlantic stability.
• Iran Relations: Foreign Minister Ferenc Somogyi met with Iran's Kamal Kharrazi, agreeing to expand economic cooperation and address drug trafficking. Iran defended its nuclear program as peaceful and in line with the NPT.

Baltic States

Lithuania

• NATO Training Mission: Two Lithuanian troops joined the NATO-led mission in Iraq to train Iraqi security forces.
• EU Accession Support: President Valdas Adamkus will meet with Croatian and Polish leaders in Zagreb to discuss Ukraine's potential EU accession, emphasizing strategic importance.

Estonia

• Foreign Minister Resignation: Kristiina Ojuland was removed due to a scandal involving the disappearance of classified documents. The Reform Party will nominate a new candidate, with the process delayed until 23 February.

Latvia

• Border Agreement: The Latvian government is inviting Russian officials to Riga in March or April to sign a disputed border agreement. If Russia declines, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga may cancel her planned visit to Moscow in May.

Southeast Europe

Slovenia

• Afghanistan Deployment: 29 troops from the 10th Motorized Battalion deployed to Afghanistan, trained in Pashto, and stationed near Kabul.
• Bilateral Relations: Prime Minister Janez Jansa met with Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski to strengthen ties, with both nations focusing on economic cooperation and integration into Euroatlantic structures.

Croatia

• Roma Integration: Deputy Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor pledged to improve the living conditions of Croatia's Roma population through better education, employment, and healthcare.
• Slovene Truck Restrictions: Croatia imposed new restrictions on Slovene truckers, in response to Slovenia's requirement for EU licenses for Croatian truckers.
• Kyoto Protocol: The Croatian government stated it is not ready to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, arguing that 1990 emission levels were too low and further cuts would harm economic growth.

Bulgaria

• Security Strategy: President Georgi Purvanov chaired a session on a new national security strategy, necessary due to the outdated 1998 document, which will lead to the adoption of a military doctrine and participation concepts.
• Infrastructure Investment: Transport Minister Nikolay Vassilev announced a 2 billion Euro plan to improve Bulgaria's transportation network, positioning it as a transit hub between the EU, Turkey, and the Middle East.
• Kyoto Protocol Investment: Bulgarian companies anticipate up to 35 million euros in foreign investment for greenhouse gas reduction projects under the Kyoto Protocol.

Romania

• Russia Relations: President Traian Basescu met with Putin in Moscow, addressing political and security matters. He emphasized Romania's willingness to host NATO bases and its role in resolving the Dniester conflict.
• NATO and EU Cooperation: Romania and Bulgaria coordinated on EU accession issues, with both countries preparing for the treaty signing on 25 April.

NATO and Ukraine

• NATO Week in Ukraine: A series of events in Ukraine aimed to increase understanding of NATO's structure and role in international security.
• Public Opinion: 30% of Ukrainians support NATO membership, 36% oppose it, with the rest undecided due to lack of knowledge.
• Membership Application: Despite closer ties, Ukraine does not plan to submit its NATO membership application during the upcoming summit.
• EU vs. NATO: Ukrainian speaker Vladimir Litvin suggested that Ukraine has more advanced relations with NATO than with the EU and may join within two to three years.

Key Information

• U.S. Support for Poland: $100 million for military modernization, sourced from a $400 million fund for Iraq support.
• Czech Political Tensions: Scandal over Prime Minister's assets threatens the governing coalition.
• Slovak Troop Deployment: Increased military presence in Iraq and denial of nuclear plant safety concerns.
• Hungary's Strategic Role: Emphasis on regional cooperation between NATO and Russia.
• Baltic Border and Security Issues: Latvia seeks to resolve border disputes with Russia, while Estonia faces internal political fallout.
• Slovenia and Croatia: Focus on bilateral economic cooperation and regional integration.
• Bulgaria's Infrastructure and Environmental Goals: Aiming to boost transit capabilities and economic growth through investment.
• Romania's NATO Ambitions: Commitment to regional security and economic ties with Russia.
• Ukraine's NATO and EU Relations: Mixed public opinion, with potential for NATO membership in the near future.

Conclusion

The region is marked by political tensions, military engagements, and strategic economic moves. Countries are navigating complex relationships with the U.S., NATO, and the EU, while addressing domestic issues and regional security challenges. The emphasis on cooperation and integration remains strong, particularly in the context of EU enlargement and NATO's evolving role in Eastern Europe.