Minister Žužul delivered a speech at the 10th European Forum in Berlin

The conference discussed the co-operation with the former Soviet Union countries, further progress of the European integration process and relations within the EU after the ratification of the EU Constitutional Agreement. High officials from Russia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan presented their vision of the future co-operation with the EU and the strengthening of economic relations with it. President of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Elmar Brok spoke about the EU’s readiness to accept relations with Eurasian countries and the possibilities of co-operation. During the debate on the future of the EU conflicting opinions were expressed, both for and against, voiced by Czech President Klaus and representative of the opposition at the German parliament Pflüger.

Minister Žužul said that for the South Eastern European countries, terms “Europe” and “European Union” are practically synonymous, and joining the EU for these countries represents the return to Europe. Žužul pointed out that fulfilling the membership criteria is the right way for South Eastern European countries to accede to the EU, as membership is not about the technical details of trade, but about the high values shared by the people of the EU members. European perspective is extremely important for them as a reforms framework and a guarantee for maintaining stability.

Minister Žužul reminded of the Schuman Declaration and emphasised that the process of convergence and enlargement of the EU must continue, regardless of all obstacles along the way that need to be overcome. Žužul also pointed out that the Schuman Declaration rests on the ideas of reconciliation and co-existence, as well as the wish to prevent future wars. At the time it was brought forward, this vision required a certain idealism, and Europe should not lose it. For without the idealism like Schuman’s, today’s conference in united Berlin would not have been possible, concluded Minister Žužul.