EuropaWorld 24/11/2000 Historic Address sets Yugoslavia on Road Towards EU Accession

The European Union was "a shining example for the whole world" declared the Yugoslav President Kostunica in a historic address to the European Parliament last week.

Developing the theme of EU - Yugoslav relations, he stressed that the EU represented a non-coercive way of integration into Europe and its example provided a model for Balkan integration and good neighbourly relations. He declared his country's firm intention of signing an Association Agreement with the EU as soon as possible. The democratic changes in Yugoslavia had already produced dramatic results on the international scene, he said, as Belgrade had been restored to its seat on the UN, had joined the Stability Pact and was now applying to join the Council of Europe.

Mr Kostunica recognised that Kosovo posed the most difficult problem for his government and here he stressed that there was a need for EU assistance in facilitating the return of refugees. Attention also needed to be paid to the ecological problems of depleted uranium caused by the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. He stressed the need to develop constitutional equality and in particular to make progress on local self-rule.

Humanitarian aid was vital, said Mr Kostunica, but so were investment programmes. Yugoslavia was now setting out on the long road to Europe - where its rightful place lay - but today its chances of rejoining Europe were a lot more realistic than they were a mere month and a half ago. "Europe is a home we all share", he concluded.

Welcoming Mr Kostunica to the House, President Nicole Fontaine applauded his 'quiet strength' and looked forward to Yugoslavia regaining its rightful place in the European family, although she too recognised the huge challenges that it faced. She promised the full backing of the European Parliament in restoring normality to Yugoslavia and noted the practical support that was already going to the country. She concluded by also looking forward to a day when Yugoslavia joined the EU.

Back to home page

Use browser back button to view more articles in this category