| “Dear Colleagues, It is the first time that we come together under a new format of the ministerial sessions, and I am pleased to see so many colleagues around the table. I think we are on the right track in the implementation of Prime Minister Juncker’s recommendation. I particularly welcome the idea that for this session we have chosen a very topical political question to be discussed: South-East Europe and the Council of Europe’s role in the region. Before touching upon this issue I would like to welcome the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia. We believe that the agreement pave further the way towards European integration of this country. We are also looking forward to the forthcoming signature of a similar agreement with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Beside legal and political ties, personal links are equally important. Intensive people to people contacts should be facilitated by appropriate implementation of the visa liberalisation process.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
When we talk about European norms and values to be put into practice in South-East Europe, the Council of Europe comes to our mind as a prominent player. It has been a key actor in making the various instruments of human right protection functional throughout the region. The Venice Commission has offered valuable legal assistance to the elaboration of national constitutions, as well as to crucial political events, such as the Montenegrin referendum on independence. The Network of Schools of Political Studies is beneficial to the countries and peoples of the region by improving democratic skills of young decision makers. No doubt that, such activities in the region should be continued. A large part of these programs are implemented together with the European Union. The cooperation of this successful “tandem” should be extended in order to achieve that all inhabitants of the region enjoy the same rights and political freedom. Efficient tools, specific know-how, good co-operation techniques are at hand. Political will and stronger commitment, including additional financial means are needed. Before concluding my remarks, please allow me to mention another emerging field for the cooperation between the EU and the Council of Europe: the Roma policy. Over the years the Council of Europe has accumulated substantial experience regarding the Roma integration. With the setting up of the European Roma Forum, the Council gave a voice to the Roma at European level. Given the fact that the EU has recently embarked upon drawing up a European Strategy on the Roma, it is important to take the experience and achievements of the Council of Europe in due consideration. The two organizations should join efforts in finding answers to the challenges and difficulties of the Roma population. Thank you for your attention!” (May 7, 2008) |