Poland, within the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs), is a strong candidate for EU membership. The words of Aleksander Kwasniewski, President of Poland, show that he does not want to delay joining the EU. "Every year of delay means a lost year, not only for us, but also for the EU itself."
The terrorist attacks that struck the United States on September 11th caused a global shock and shook the foundations of the economy, leading to a significant recession. The European Union, currently in the midst of negotiations for its future enlargement, could be affected, and consequently, countries on the verge of joining could suffer the consequences.
Indeed, as a consequence of the slowdown in economic development on the continent and the terrorist attacks of September 11, various opinions emerged, according to which many of the current priorities (including the expansion of the European Union and NATO) should be postponed.
Proponents of this view argue that, in times of economic slowdown and a growing international terrorist threat, we should focus primarily on combating these phenomena and not waste energy on the expansion of international organizations. To refute these opinions, we must look to history, which reminds us that inaction in the face of danger is always detrimental, and we will pay an incalculable price for it in the future. Throughout their history, both Poland and Spain have learned this lesson painfully. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that the challenges we face provide further justification for the expansion of both the European Union and NATO. We must also remember that EU and NATO expansions are not ends in themselves, but rather must serve the political and economic stability of a vital region of Europe.
We must recognize that the creation of a new international order capable of confronting terrorism and organized crime will not be possible without the elimination of political, economic, and social barriers on our continent. This was unanimously emphasized at the Regional Conference of Presidents and Heads of Government held on November 6th at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, which was dedicated to the fight against terrorism. We heard the same sentiments from the European Commission and the Member States. For me, this confirms the understanding of the historical dimension of the enlargement of the European Union, a testament to the broad consensus that cannot be undermined by current events, even if they were as tragic as the attacks on the World Trade Center.
– Given that the end of 2003 is the deadline for concluding Poland's accession negotiations to the EU, it would be the time to analyze the progress made to date and whether the current situation matches the expectations that were held to achieve this goal.
We consider the end of 2002 the deadline for concluding Poland's accession negotiations, so that we can participate as a Member State in the 2004 elections to the European Parliament. I believe that achieving this ambitious project, and Poland's inclusion in the first group of new members, is entirely within our reach. This clear objective will be the priority of the current government, which is determined to accelerate the steps that will facilitate our country's accession to the EU. We believe that every year of delay is a year lost, not only for us but also for the Union itself. It means lost opportunities to accelerate and enrich the dynamics of our continent's economic and social development. We have made a tremendous legislative effort, passing more than 150 decrees in 2000-2001 adapting Polish laws to the Union Acquis. It is now necessary to implement these approved legislative solutions and prepare our citizens, businesses, and civil servants as thoroughly as possible so that they can work within the framework of the Union and take advantage of the new opportunities. It is important that we know how to fulfill the negotiated commitments and achieve the planned objectives, trying to make progress at each stage of our negotiations with the EU.
The European Commission's assessment, included in its latest Cyclical Report of November 13th of last year, confirms the progress and advancement of Poland's preparations. In this context, the European Union summit in Laeken in December was another step forward in the Union's enlargement process, which will bring forward the completion of negotiations to 2002 and the accession of new members to 2004.
The current Spanish Presidency of the EU could prove to be a significant advantage in the accession negotiations, given the existing affinity between the two countries and the good relations they enjoy. It would be interesting to know to what extent they expect to achieve a favorable outcome.
Back in 2001, the enlargement process entered a crucial phase, during which we began negotiations on the most critical and difficult issues, such as the free movement of people and capital. As planned, talks on other important topics will take place in the first half of 2002. Final agreements on areas such as agriculture, regional policy, budgets, and finance will have a decisive influence on the terms of Poland's participation in the European Union.
Of course, these negotiations will require considerable effort and goodwill to find reasonable and positive solutions for both parties. In this process, Spain's role, as the country holding the Presidency, could be very important.
I am convinced that negotiations will accelerate in the first half of 2002 and that most issues can be resolved before the end of the presidency. Taking into account the election dates in Germany and France, the greatest possible progress in the negotiations during the Spanish presidency will be key to concluding them in December 2002.
It is significant that the upcoming Spanish presidency has already declared that enlargement will be one of the priorities of Community activity in the first half of 2002.
This suggests that at the crucial moment, both the European Union and Poland will demonstrate the necessary determination, resolve, and solidarity that this historic enlargement process demands. I am convinced that in this final stage of negotiations, open and active dialogue and the exchange of information between the parties will allow us to find a rational solution that satisfies everyone. It is not easy, but the experience of previous EU enlargements, and also of Spain's, teaches us that dozens, even hundreds, of hours of difficult negotiations lead to the resolution of the most complex and controversial issues.
I sincerely believe that by resolving the most drastic problems and paving the way for the completion of negotiations, the Spanish presidency will play a significant role in the history of European integration.
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