Journalist: Greece put forward the idea of incorporating the whole region of Southeast Europe, including Serbia, into the EU in 2014, on the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI. How feasible is this today, bearing in mind the crisis in the EU, pending issues in the region and demands being made of Serbia, particularly with regard to Kosovo?
Mr. Lambrinidis: The core of our political initiative for an “Agenda 2014” – as a follow-up to the 2003 Thessaloniki Agenda – was to once again make the enlargement of the EU in the Western Balkans a priority in both the EU and in the interested countries themselves. I think we have already achieved this, though it was not a sure thing. Particularly on the Union’s side, let me tell you that from my personal experience as an MEP, there was strong scepticism. There was a lot of “enlargement fatigue” talk. So, this negative dynamic is being reversed thanks to our initiative. Our goal is to step up the discussion with specific proposals, so that in 2014 we can convene an EU-Western Balkans Summit and give the countries of the region concrete accession perspectives.
Journalist: How realistic is it to hope for Serbia to receive candidate-country status from the EU by the end of this year? Can the demands for the abolition of parallel institutions in Kosovo call this matter into question?
Mr. Lambrinidis: It’s not just realistic, you deserve it. And in December, I will be the first to applaud this development. Serbia has come through with major achievements in recent months. Our message to Brussels is precisely that these developments need to be reflected in the European Commission’s recommendations in October. The reform momentum must be sustained. At the same time, yes, the efforts toward a positive outcome from the Belgrade-Pristina talks need to be continued. This can only help Serbia along on its European course.
Journalist: Is pressure increasing on Greece to recognize Kosovo’s independence, because it is one of the five EU countries who refuse to do this?
Mr. Lambrinidis: No pressure is being put on us, and neither would it have any effect, because Greece follows a longstanding policy of principles, to which it remains faithful. It is a policy for the consolidation of peace, security and prosperity in the region. Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are our main priorities. As everyone knows, Greece does not recognize Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence. But this does not hinder us from actively pursuing understanding between the two sides and supporting the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.
Journalist: The situation is tense in northern Kosovo following Pristina’s unilateral actions. Are you concerned about security in the region?
Mr. Lambrinidis: Unilateral actions jeopardize the security of the region, and the tension we saw in Kosovo in late July really was cause for concern. Dialogue is the only framework for the resolution of any differences there might be, and the EU has shown that it can contribute on this. I am pleased that the talks last week in Brussels seem to have produced a result that reduces the tensions.
Journalist: How secure is the banking sector in Greece, given the debt crisis the country is facing?
Mr. Lambrinidis: The Greek banking sector is healthy and strong. Recent moves, such as the merger between two major Greek banking groups, will also have a positive impact beyond Greece. And the EU decisions of 21 July fortified the Greek banking system with additional funding and liquidity. In Serbia and throughout the Balkans, Greek banks hold a major share of the banking market and have invested major capital, while employing thousands of people. This internationalization of Greek banks over the past two decades is their real source of strength and a strong guarantee for the future.
Journalist: How realistic is it to expect Greece to emerge from the crisis, particularly when one considers that the main eurozone economies still have reservations as to how to provide assistance to the troubled economies?
Mr. Lambrinidis: We have drawn up a very ambitious reform and financial programme that is very painful for the Greek people. And our European partners – in their decisions on 21 July – ensured that we will have the necessary time to see these measures produce results. The right reflexes worked in the EU, even if they was a slight delay: Responsibility and solidarity, the key components of our Union. There was dissolution or deeper union, and the Europeans chose the latter. You, too, will participate in this Union, and Greece will do everything in its power to make this happen as soon as possible.
September 7, 2011