Prime Minister Drnovšek today participated in a press conference in Cernobbio, Italy, as part of the “Aspen European Dialogue” international conference, which is focusing on current themes affecting the EU. The press conference was led by Mario Monti, the EU Commissioner for Competition. Vaclav Klaus, the speaker of the Czech parliament, also participated.

Prime Minister Drnovšek used his appearance before the press to focus on EU enlargement as an indispensable process, both politically and economically. He cautioned that a slowdown in the enlargement of the EU would cause an increase in tension that would gradually increase, with all the negative consequences inherent in that. Slovenia, as a candidate state prepared for membership, has in the last ten years carried out important reforms and adopted a considerable amount of the common European legislation. It is now negotiating some of the most difficult chapters, which could be closed this year if the EU is prepared to do that. He said that we were in some ways already waiting at the doors of Europe and looking with interest at whether the EU would take the requisite steps and decisions and find solutions to certain institutional and financial questions.

Prime Minister Drnovšek drew attention to German demands for a transitional period in relation to the free movement of the work force and to Spain’s reaction to that move. Spain is prepared to support the German proposal if it receives an adequate guarantee of continued access to European structural funds, even after the accession of new member states to the EU. In the same way France is concerned about the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Agricultural Fund. Prime Minister Drnovšek pointed out that these financial mechanisms do not relate to Slovenia as, due to its level of development, it would not be entitled to access these funds once it had joined the EU. He feared, however, that the lack of agreement in Europe regarding the solution of these issues could affect the enlargement process.

In answer to journalists’ requests for Slovenia’s views on the statement made by one of the Italy’s new ministers that it may be necessary to consider a slowdown in the enlargement process, Dr Drnovšek replied that only short-sighted policies would oppose EU enlargement rather than support it. It was, he felt, a historic process which was an attempt to overcome Europe’s historical conflicts and wars; a process that was not yet over and which could not and should not be replaced by remaining with the status quo. Dr Drnovšek remembered the enthusiasm that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall ten years ago and the desire felt at that time to build a new Europe. Today some policies focus too much on everyday issues and neglect the historical aspect of the enlargement process. Forgetting this aspect could lead to renewed tensions, conflicts and wars in Europe. Precisely for this reason the European integration process must become irreversible and establish stable and sound European structures and institutions, which will ensure that all European nations solve their conflicts peacefully, through dialogue and negotiation. It is important then to consider enlargement from a long-term point of view and to realise that the enlargement process is already benefiting member states as well as candidates. It is indeed vital that the historical and political aspects of enlargement are respected.

Prime Minister Drnovšek also expressed his conviction that Silvio Berlusconi, the leader of Forza Italia, would be in favour of continuing the enlargement of the EU. He recalled his meeting in February of this year, when Mr Berlusconi said that Italy would continue to support Slovenian efforts to join the EU if he were successful at the polls.