Furnas, 08/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The Gymnich-type informal meeting held by the Union foreign ministers together with High Representative Javier Solana and Commissioner Chris Patten, during the whole weekend on the Portuguese island of Sao Miguel, in the Azores, was rich in developments. Three subjects bear witness to this:
We give below an overview of the results of this informal session during which the Fifteen also spoke of the European Security and Defence Policy, relations with the United States and Russia, the Balkans, the next meeting with the Mediterranean world; Turkey and Zimbabwe.
No decision concerning Austria, but atmosphere has changed
The question of sanctions imposed on Austria by its fourteen partners was not included in the points adopted by the Portuguese Council Presidency, but hovered over the whole informal meeting which was marked, at this level, by a sort of Community normalisation, without the fundamental positions being toned down in any way at this stage. During the press conference which punctuated the first working session on Saturday evening, Jaime Gama explained this was not, from the Presidency's point of view, a "question which concerns the Union, but fourteen countries compared to fifteen", which is one reason why it was not useful to tackle the subject during the Gymnich meeting. In the Community framework thus defined, the work was not marked by any special incident. All ministers took care to make a symbolic gesture to mark their disapproval for the outcome of political events in Vienna. Thus, French Minister Hubert Védrine was absent for the informal group photo - a term preferred by the Presidency to that of the usual "family photo" - but he insisted on making it known to his Austrian counterpart, Ms Ferrero Waldner, that she should not see this as premeditated symbolic political intention. Furthermore, a new photo was taken on Sunday morning and, this time, Hubert Védrine was in it, alongside Mr Gama and … Ms Ferrero Waldner, together with Joschka Fischler. In substance, however, no noteworthy development was formally recorded, but some signs were noted as hours passed. "None of the fourteen Member States made any proposals aimed at going back on sanctions", said Mr Gama, who, to the question of knowing whether Finnish Minister Erkki Tuomioja has urged for a solution to be found before the French Presidency, simply stated on Saturday evening: "We are still open to examination of ideas. You must, however, take into account the fact that, between the declaration and the proposal, there is a long road to go. Just as long as that between the proposal and the decision …". French national Hubert Védrine confirmed at the same time that cohesion towards Austria had not "fundamentally changed".
Ms Ferrero Waldner hopes for normalisation in June
Even before work opened on Saturday morning, Benita Ferrero Waldner confirmed: a) she planned to obtain, in Furnas, "beginning of normalisation" between Austria and its fourteen partners, the total normalisation intervening, in his eyes, during the Feira summit on 19/20 June; b) "popular consultation" (and not a referendum which is of broader constitutional range), that the Austrian government decided to organise in case sanctions were not lifted, did not find favour with him, but arose from "population request" (an idea of Jorg Haider, said Jaime Gama). Ms Ferrero Waldner said the Austrian people would, in this way, say "yes to the European Union and yes to lifting sanctions" imposed by the fourteen partners of Vienna. She went on to specify: "A large majority of Austrians remain in favour of the EU despite sanctions. This is what this consultation should also demonstrate". Several delegations felt this announcement was a form of blackmail and, as a result, political clumsiness on the eve of the Gymnich meeting.
At the end of the morning on Sunday, under "miscellaneous", Ms Ferrero Waldner stated how she felt in a vibrant appeal after return to normal relations between Vienna and its partners, one hundred days after the declaration by the Fourteen on 31 January last. In her declaration to her peers, she drew attention to certain decisions and projects of the Schüssel government (among others: adoption of measures in faovur of cultural and linguistic minorities: continued humanitarian policy aimed at refugees and their families, the Vienna authorities being "clearly committed to combating xenophobia, discrimination and racism". She went on to stress this was "unequivocally committed to our continued full participation in the EU, including, of course, its future enlargement" (which is why it has appointed a special representative for the enlargement in the person of former Vice-Chancellor Erhard Busek, a renowned specialist for Central and Eastern European Affairs). Ms Ferroro Waldner felt the fears expressed in the other capitals of the Union therefore had no further reason for being, as: - Joerg Haider has resigned from the leadership of his party; - the FPÖ, meeting in congress, "clearly commits itself to Europe and to European values"; - the FPÖ goes from the political opposition to governmental responsibility, this process and the change at the head of the party demonstrating "a change in the role and nature of this party". The minister continued by stressing how much the current relations between Vienna and its partners had "a strong negative impact on the Austrian population by and large" and considering that "the longer the sanctions are in place the more extensive the damage to Austria in its entirety will be" (in her view, it is not possible to establish a difference between the government and the population). Given this "ever growing frustration (…) the government could not maintain its moderate approach and restraint indefinitely"; warned Benita Ferrero Waldner, who explained, in this context, that it was not appropriate to misunderstand the real scope of popular consultation possibly projected by Vienna. "It is by no means intended as an ultimatum", she said, specifying that the government did not plan it as a "last resort", in the case of inability to find a "framework by a political solution leading to normalisation of the present situation". The underlying idea would be "simply to show that the population stands behind the government and at the same time supports Austria's pro-European attitude". She felt that the Austrian problem "has had a severe and, (…) even destabilising effect on the European Union as a whole" while the latter is confronted by "challenges of historic proportions" such as enlargement and the reform and future of the Union. She sees, sixteen months after introduction of single currency, "dramatic developments in the financial markets". The Austrian minister posed the question: "have we really been sending the right signals to our citizens, to our future partners, to the business communities and to our economic entrepreneurs?" In her view, it would be "crucial that the European Council in Feira agreed upon a framework for a solution". The General Affairs Council should prepare this issue during its next two sessions and the ministers may still speak on the fringe of the meeting that they will hold in Lisbon (under Euro-Mediterranean partnership). What should the basis for work be? Ms Ferrero Waldner made the following suggestion: "The President of the Republic, the Federal Chancellor and I myself have repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a period of observation by independent bodies or personalities, who would monitor the situation in Austria. May we also think of asking the European Commission to assume a particular role in this context. An analysis or report, mandated by the Council, perhaps could serve as a basis for a final decision. However, I think everyone here will understand if Austria requests that, during this process, the measures in place be temporarily suspended".
Some division between Fourteen?
During his final press conference, Jaime Gama pointed out that all the ministers had given their point of view following this intervention, the dominant element being, according to the presidency, that it was not a matter of dealing with the question at the level of EU bodies. The idea put forward by Ms Ferrero Waldner "was not approved", he assured before explaining: "This informal meeting did not approve any document or strategy (…). It is not appropriate to speak of sanctions. These diplomatic gestures are not sanctions. And certainly not the Union as it is not even a matter of Union measures. The appropriate area to deal with it is Austria and the Fourteen. Harassed with questions, the acting President of the Council ended up conceding that "four Member States are open to finding a solution." Though immediately adding: - "Until now, no decision has been taken in the direction of concrete proposals. And these countries have said that they are in agreement with the Fourteens stance." During a press conference following the work, Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner indicated that Denmark, Spain, Finland, Greece, Ireland and Italy where in favour of anidea which could lead to an agreement over the present situation. According to concurring sources, Belgium is the only one to remain radical on these positions, with Luxembourg following to a certain extent.
Also to be noted in this context (even if Belgium denies that its'proposal is directly linked to the Austrian situation) that certain Ministers have welcomed with interest the modifications and details to be made to Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which were put forward last week by Louis Michel (see EUROPE of 6 May, p.3), "The Belgian proposal can be useful to trigger the debate," announced the Danish Minister Niels Helveg Petersen. The Belgian editing proposal is as follows (changes in Italics):
"1.- So as to avoid serious and persistent violations by a Member State of the principals of Article 6 paragraph 1, the Council, legislating by qualified majority on the proposal by a third of the Member States or the Commission, may note that a threat of violation of these principals exists in a Member State and address the appropriate recommendation, if necessary accompanied by adequate measures, to the Member State concerned, after having invited the government of this Member State to present all observations on the issue. The Council President brings the recommendation and the possible measures to the Parliament's attention.
2.- The Council, gathered at the Heads of State or Government level and legislating by qualified majority, on the proposal to…"
Three visions of the future of Europe
At the end of an exercise which he referred to as brain storming, Mr. Gama indicated that the fifteen Member Sates wanted to go beyond the present enlargement and institutional reform so as to "give new impetus" to the present intergovernmental conference. "We will leave this huge discussion - which will continue during the European Council in Feira - with precise concepts," he assured. The same feeling is shared by many ministers, in the initiative of the German Fischler and the Frenchman Védrine (he even indicated that he took part in the "most interesting meeting since he became minister"). Both have noted the existence of three groups of countries within the EU. For Mr. Fischler, there is: i) the six founding states (their positions, he added, are not "homogenous, but on the whole, close") who feel that it is necessary to progress"; ii) in their tour, the southern non-founding countries who still have the fresh memories of their past dictators; iii) the Scandinavian countries, the United Kingdom and Ireland who "think more in terms of federation of states" and who take their "decisions in a totally pragmatic manner" (he quotes the example of the participation in the Euro). For Hubert Védrine, the three groups of countries are forming in the consequences of enlargement are: a) those who feel there will be no problems; b) five or six countries who feel that there would be problems, but that they can be resolved; c) those who believe something more radical is needed. For Joschka Fischler, there is no doubt that the "distant future" should pass through an "integration of national cultures in a common European structure", which would increasingly correspond "with a sharing of sovereignty rather than an abandonment of sovereignty." Ideas which are closer to those of Mr. Védrine who explained that the German and French aim was to "reconstruct a joint long-term vision of Europe." It must also be noted that the Italian Minister Lamberto Dini strongly defended the need to go much further in the establishing of an "economic government."
Instrument of future is "strengthened co-operation"
In the shorter-term, this thinking process leads a majority of the Ministers to be in favour on an inclusion of the theme of strengthened co-operation on the IGC agenda. "This could be a common link between the more reticent and the more federalist," commented Mr. Vedrine while President Gama spoke of a "very interesting discussion" as it was wider than that within the IGC: "In Furnas, we moved to a global evaluation of Europe's needs. We start from the historical objective of enlargement, to concentrate on reforms in view of greater efficiency." In this context, felt the Council President, it is possible to reach a "synthesis": "Some have a more federalist vision, others more intergovernmental. I am certain that the strengthened cooperation will be a platform for a more efficient widened Europe."
In his eyes, the meeting enabled them to "open the way to progress" in this direction privileged by the Presidency: "We hope to seize the opportunity for a reform of the Treaty that is not limited by the Amsterdam leftovers, but which is fundamental in relation to the challenges that we must raise". Jaime Gama acknowledged that some Member States continued to consider the examination of this point did not appear in the Amsterdam mandate and that the European Council (in Feira) should decide whether it was appropriate to include this subject in the IGC's agenda. "During the General Affairs Council (Ed.: in June, he hinted), we shall discuss the matter during preparation of the summit".
Mr Solana's mission in the Philippines has humanitarian goal, but no mediation
The Fifteen have decided to send the EU High Representative to Manila "for humanitarian reasons" so that he may discuss with the Philippine government to seek a solution to the dramatic events experienced by the hostages. "This is not a mediation mission", stressed Mr Gama. "It will be a diplomatic and humanitarian mission", confirmed Javier Solana, who said the Fifteen's main concern was the safety of the hostages. He will arrive in the capital of the Philippines on Tuesday afternoon and will have meetings with the Philippine President as well as the Foreign and Defence Ministers and the Presidency. The date for his return will depend on how these meetings develop.
The text of the Declaration is as follows: "The Presidency, on behalf of the European Union, strongly condemns the kidnappings in the island of Jolo and calls on those responsible to release all hostages immediately. The EU will spare no efforts to secure their safety and early release. The EU deplores the unhappiness brought by the kidnapping to the families of the hostages and sympathises with them. The European Union supports all the efforts of the Government of the Philippines to secure the safety of the hostages and expresses its gratitude for all the humanitarian help that has already reached them. The EU member States concerned have sent senior representatives to Manila to give appropriate assistance to the Government of the Philippines. The EU has also decided to send the High Representative of the European Union, Mr Javier Solana, to the Philippines to convey personally to the Philippine Government the EU's message concerning the safety of the hostages. The European Union trusts that the Government of the Philippines will explore all possible avenues in order to resolve the matter peacefully and to avoid harm to the victims".
The Balkans, ESDP, Zimbabwe
The situation in the Balkans was the subject of a detailed exchange of views on the basis of an introductory presentation by Javier Solana who, while noting that the situation on the ground was improving, insisted on: a) greater coherence between all actors, both at the EU level (in its bilateral relations with the countries concerned and in the context of the participation to the Stability Pact) and in the coordination with the United States and Russia (with which this theme will be treated during coming summits); b) the need for the EU to continue to support the civil society (universities, churches, NGOs, municipalities) as well as the outcome of free elections through appropriate means; c) the need to release financial aid in favour of Montenegro (point discussed on Monday by the Ecofin Council, see following pages); d) positive developments recorded in Croatia.
The Portuguese Presidency will ensure that the European Council of Feira may make "EU strategic objectives progress" in the region. Concerning the budgetary aspects of the issue, Mr Védrine felt, with reference to the Commission's ideas, that "artificial figures" created "artificial problems" (and allusion made to the draft revision of financial perspectives).
Ministers also discussed the following subjects:
European Security and Defence Policy. Mr Gama explained that the ministers had evaluated progress made in this matter since Helsinki and progress which remained to be made by Feira, not only concerning the military sector but also the civilian sector. They also held an exchange of views on how to cooperate with "non-EU member European allies and other European countries". He confirmed that a first meeting of the "15 plus 15 and of the 15 plus 6" would be held next week. With the United States, "things are going very well", he said, specifying that he would be going there mid May.
Euro-Mediterranean partnership. The Fifteen prepared the informal meeting that they will be holding with their twelve colleagues from Mediterranean third countries in Lisbon on 25/26 May with a view to preparing the formal ministerial conference in Barcelona IV scheduled for November 2000 in Marseilles and the possible summit that President Chirac is thinking of attending.
Zimbabwe. Mr Gama pointed out that the ministers had decided to begin discussions so that an electoral mission may follow the process leading to elections and the ballot. Mr Patten noted in this respect that the European Commission had now "considerable experience in this field". It has trained "over 800 electoral observers" (and wants another 600); but it is important for these observers to be able to work in safe conditions.
The Ministers approved a declaration on this subject (see text page 8).