Gay Mitchell
Question:8 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on which applicant states are likely to be in the first round of EU enlargement negotiations. [18200/97]
Priority Questions. - EU Enlargement Negotiations.
The European Commission published its Agenda 2000 communication, and its Opinions on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe which have applied for membership of the European Union, in July 1977. In its communication the Commission recommended that the Union open accession negotiations with Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, along with Cyprus, which has already received a positive opinion from the Commission. Generally speaking, we consider that the Commission's proposals are well constructed and balanced providing a suitable framework for the conduct of the enlargement process and an objective basis for the opening of accession negotiations.
In accordance with the conclusions of the Amsterdam European Council, it is for the Luxembourg European Council in December to take the necessary decisions with regard to the management of the Enlargement process, including with which countries the Union should open accession negotiations. I would expect that the Heads of State and Government will give due weight and consideration to the Commission's proposals.
Will the Minister agree that not all the difficulties in terms of being off the starting block in the first group, relate to economic preparedness for membership of the European Union and that in the case of at least one applicant State, Slovakia, which might be considered to be economically prepared, the problem is an absence of democratic institutions? What steps are the Minister and his colleagues in the General Affairs Council taking to improve the situation in Slovakia to include that country in the early group of States to negotiate for membership of the Union?
The Deputy is right that Slovakia does not meet the political criteria of stability of democratic institutions. None of the candidates fully meet the economic critera for a functioning market economy together with the capacity to take on the acquis communitaire. The best I can say in relation to Slovakia is that I intervened in the informal gymnic at Mondorf in Luxembourg on 24-25 October. I suggested in the context of the proposed council, which will address the whole question of enlargement, the question of the first five and one including the second tranche, that the issue of Slovakia be addressed. As the Deputy said there are problems in Slovakia in relation to the democratisation of institutions. That is one of the first issues to be addressed in the context of any application or final opinion given on the Slovakian application.
In relation to Cyprus the Minister mentioned five plus one. What is the situation in relation to Northern Cyprus and what steps have been taken to ensure the whole island will be included in any negotiations for enlargement and membership of the European Union?
Southern Cyprus is linked with Northern Cyprus. Tragically that island is partitioned. Unfortunately from the point of view of Northern Cyprus it must be seen in the context of how we envisage Turkey where there are a number of problems, more particularly in the area of human rights involving the Kurds. These issues are being addressed. It is not possible to take Cyprus as a totality, unfortunately it has to be seen in the context of the Turkish application for membership of the EU.
Does the Minister agree that best estimates indicate that approximately 60 million Europeans lost their lives in two world wars in the first half of this century and that the European Coal and Steel Community, which we now call the European Union, has contributed significantly to peace, stability and prosperity in western European in the second half of the century? Does he agree, therefore, that notwithstanding the challenges the proposed enlargement presents for the European Union, it also presents a unique opportunity for peace and stability on the Continent of Europe? Does he agree that we should favour the expansion and integration of the European Union not merely for self-interest but for the interests of our neighbours in central and eastern Europe?
I agree that we must consider the question of enlargement in an enlightened fashion. As the Deputy stated, the inclusion of the countries mentioned during our interchange would be of great benefit to the future peace and stability on the European Continent which has experienced two world wars in the past. It was to avoid such horror that the ideal of a European community was initiated. For that reason, we should ensure the European Union expands in the pursuit of a permanent peace on the Continent of Europe.
As the time for Priority Questions has exhausted, in accordance with Standing Orders, Questions Nos. 9 and 10 can be taken in ordinary time.