Almost unnecessary prelude. Europe is by far the largest donor to third countries and to those in difficulty. At the same time, it seeks not to intervene in distant conflicts, or to get out of them should she be involved.
This attitude reflects the view of the public which, to a more or less conscious degree, has not forgotten that European unity was created with the very precise goal of putting an end to the wars that became worldwide after breaking out in Europe. By creating a compact whole, the founding fathers of Europe could not have envisaged its becoming embroiled at a later date in foreign conflicts! This Union must, it goes without saying, be able to defend itself, if necessary, and to assert its right in all circumstances.
With Russia, “vigilant cooperation”. The above reminders are useful as an introduction to the developments taking place in Europe's relations with the rest of the world, and, in particular, the spirit of (vigilant, of course) cooperation that seems to be progressing with Russia. Last week's agreement on the resumption of the purchase of Russian gas by Ukraine is significant (see EUROPE 11189) and agreements have come in other areas.
What is important is not the details of the difficulties resolved but changes in the atmosphere and the prospects for cooperation that have opened up. The new NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said last week in Brussels that NATO and Russia could build positive relations, if Moscow is transparent and predictable in its conduct. No one wants a new cold war. A genuine constructive and cooperative relationship … must be built on mutual respect …, on the rule of law and not on the law of the strongest. In this way, common interest can prevail.
The most innovative aspect of Stoltenberg's speech is the passage on Norway. Norway has built strong defences which have made it sufficiently confident to work with Russia in many areas, from military to fishing, energy to the environment. Moreover, Russians and Norwegians can cross their respective borders with no need for visas. It is not by accident that Anders Fogh Rasmussen's successor spoke of relations between Moscow and Oslo.
These passages from the speech by the NATO secretary general form part of the analysis published in Europe Diplomacy & Defence 743.
A different viewpoint. These developments are not seen as positive and encouraging by all, however. A number of leading figures support and strongly advocate an attitude opposed to that of Mr Stoltenberg. I would, for example, mention George Soros, given his past and his participation in the Good Morning Europe conference taking place this Thursday and Friday at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. Also taking part will be Jacques Delors, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz.
Mr Soros has given a foretaste of his position in a text published in the media. He argues that Russia's attack on Ukraine was also directed at the EU. It is, he believes, unacceptable that a group of countries which, like the EU, finds itself de facto at war should be applying a policy of financial austerity. In his view, “all financial resources must be used on behalf of the military effort” as Mr Putin will not give up on the goal of dividing Europe in order to dominate it. He is absolutely convinced that “financial austerity must be ended because being at war is at odds with financial austerity”. (FR)