Thank you very much for the very warm welcome. It is a great honor to be here today at the Thessaloniki Summit. Not only because it is my duty, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, to be present, but primarily because Greece is an advanced country that has embraced the endeavor of integrating the Western Balkans into the European family more than any other. For this reason, I want to highlight, both substantively and symbolically, that we will always be here to support the countries of the Western Balkans in finding their natural path, the path that was first forged in 2003 here in the hospitable city of Thessaloniki with the Thessaloniki Agenda. Presently, 20 years later, this course continues with unwavering determination, albeit at a slower pace than we would all prefer, but definitely with immense zeal. It is this course that we wish to showcase and accelerate, but also to shape the conditions that will enable a more rapid progression.
In this regard, I would like to warmly thank the Federation of Industries of Greece and the Delphi Economic Forum for the distinct honour of inviting me to join you today. Since 2016, the Thessaloniki Summit has established itself as both an institution for the city and a forum in which the pillars of foreign policy can be developed. It also serves as a forum for distinguished international figures to shed light on major issues of our time and try to shape policy perspectives during challenging times. Of course, it could be none other than Thessaloniki to host this particular gathering on the European perspective of the Western Balkans, precisely because Thessaloniki serves as a hub for the Western Balkans. Both as Government and Greek State, we have placed great emphasis on Thessaloniki, which we envision not only as a pivotal player in the wider region, but also as a catalyst for all developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.
Allow me to refer to what first impressed me, namely this event’s title, from which I retain three points. The first two points pertain to the continuity that the Western Balkans' accession process should have. The other point is more of a matter of reflection at this stage. The two aspects of continuity are related to our steadfast interest in the countries of the Western Balkans. Not only because it is our neighborhood. As always, in neighborhoods, one must ensure peace in order to generate prosperity for the people and pursue firm goals. And firm goals are inextricably linked to a value-based common course since the European Union is a union of values. The third aspect, the reflection, primarily pertains to the current situation, the present juncture.
We all realize this is not the best period for Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. It is a time of great volatility. It is a period where revisionism tends to become the norm. This challenge must be addressed by all of us, but primarily by the countries that share common origins, roots, and ideologies, so that we may proceed together. This path unfolding in our wider region is asymmetric rather than linear. If we just consider all major challenges, if we contemplate not just revisionism but also the aggression we currently witness in more areas of our broader neighborhood, such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus, then we will realize that it is not a linear, but an asymmetric trajectory.
There is also the broader logic of revisionism, the climate crisis, public health crises, migration, and the food crisis, in addition to all the previous challenges and, especially, the wars raging in our wider region. For this reason, more than ever, I feel, and I say this in full knowledge, as I am fortunate to lead Greek foreign policy at the moment, that all countries should adopt a foreign policy of principles. Diplomacy, in my view, should not be practiced opportunistically or transactionally. It should be based on principles and values. The principles of sound reasoning and ethics must prevail. There cannot be different measures and standards used for different crises.
On the contrary, there must be a logic of equal treatment under an Aristotelian concept of all cases, so foreign policy can attain greater consistency and sincerity. And I believe that, ultimately, what is primarily rewarded is precisely this consistency in principles, in rules. For this reason, Greek foreign policy always relies on values such as the rigorous application of International Law, which prohibits any revisionism, any aggression, or any change of borders.
Greek foreign policy is based on the respect for independence and the principle of territorial integrity, on the peaceful resolution of disputes, on the promotion of citizens' prosperity, and, of course, on the principles of Democracy and the Rule of Law. These principles, 20 years ago in this very city, led to the 2003 Thessaloniki Declaration, which paved the way for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European family. The Declaration, adopted in a very difficult time, unreservedly recognized that the future of the Balkans lies within the European Union.
In this regard, the Thessaloniki Declaration came to ensure, more than anything, the architectural security of the Western Balkans and the broader region. A region that we all know, especially those of us who have delved a little into history, that has been historically plagued by great wars, conflicts, civil wars, significant realignments, volatility, and an asymmetric historical trajectory.
In this context, Greek foreign policy has supported Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to the European family. We have played a decisive role in shaping European policy for the accession of the Western Balkans and supporting their integration path.
The discussion on the accession of the Western Balkans to the European family must undoubtedly take into account the current conditions. The wars in our neighborhood are not mere conflicts but largely alter the very paradigm upon which the European family was founded. The European communities indeed began in the 1950s as a peace treaty to ensure a peaceful future in a troubled area like post-war Europe.
However, we have progressively moved towards a much deeper economic, monetary, and political union. However, I believe the European Union is perhaps even more than that today. The European Union is a union of values. And I often understand how difficult it is for the countries of the Western Balkans to see this long journey, the long road towards the European family. Nevertheless, the reality is that we must remain as politically committed as possible to the position that the European family should integrate the Western Balkans. But simultaneously, the criteria required should be met for a European Union that will be strong and resilient without exclusions.
But also, for a European Union that will be rejuvenated. The reality is that we often say - and I heard it said many times today- that there is fatigue from the accession process of the states of the Western Balkans. But on the other hand, there is also fatigue on the part of the European Union itself. Sometimes, rejuvenation is necessary. This rejuvenation most often comes with new meaning given by new players, the new integrated vital organs. For this reason, it is extremely important to set a visible horizon for the completion of the accession process, to leave behind the stagnation or the long waiting, and to create a visible horizon for accession.
More than fatigue, I feel that the biggest problem could be the discouragement and disappointment of the younger generations towards the European vision. What must not be lost is the faith of the younger generations that the European family is the natural home for all European states that share such significant ideological origins. Apart from the Prime Minister's invitation on August 21 to the countries of the Western Balkans and to Ukraine and Moldova, which I think re-defined the path of these states to the European family, we are constantly making sure to be creatively and productively present in every discussion regarding the accession path of the Western Balkans. In many cases, I try to be politically creative as much as possible. Last week, the Foreign Affairs Council was held. Although the issue of the accession of the Western Balkans was not on the Council's agenda, we had two informal sessions dealing exactly with the issues of the accession process. We highlighted the need for close cooperation, the need to rejuvenate the momentum in the negotiations, and also to provide visibility to the accession path. I personally particularly referred to issues of strengthening energy transport networks and cybersecurity.
It is of great importance that a prioritization must exist jointly between the European Union and the countries of the Western Balkans so that the list of prerequisites is clear.
We are all aware, especially our esteemed friends representing the Western Balkan countries today, that there are principles and criteria; the fair and rigorous conditionality, which is a requirement of EU law, and of course, the principle of own merits.
The truth is that these criteria often become particularly technical. The political will to expedite the accession process for the Western Balkans certainly exists and should be rejuvenated. The technical criteria often need to be defined in light of this political will. Of course, the relevant technical expertise should be provided where necessary. However, the reality is that we must have an interaction as beneficial as possible between the European Union and the Western Balkan states to achieve this adjustment.
I would particularly like to refer to the issue of the community of values of the European Union. The EU community of values currently lays much greater emphasis on institutions than on the economy than it did in the '50s, '60s, or '70s. It would have been unthinkable in the 1950s, in the founding treaties of the European Communities, to discuss issues that were traditionally the responsibility of the States, such as Democracy, the Rule of Law, and respect for political rights. Today, respect for Democracy and the Rule of Law is an absolute prerequisite for any member state in order to function within the European family. That is the case not only for states in the accession process but even for states already in the European family, where the fundamental EU Law mandates them to adhere to the principles and rules of Democracy and the Rule of Law. Otherwise, the foreseen sanctions are imposed.
For this reason, it is obvious that we, Greece, call on the Western Balkan states to incorporate the democratic acquis of the European Union so that we can move forward together.
Allow me to refer to our relations with Albania, and in particular, to the issue of the temporary detention of the elected mayor, Freddy Beleri, who has been in prison since May, two days before the local government elections in Albania last May. With all due respect for Albania's legislation, the Greek government requested the obvious, which has nothing to do with judicial independence and the internal judicial processes of the neighboring country. It requested that the oath-taking of the elected mayor be conducted so that the political will, as expressed in the May elections, is reflected in political reality. It is neither a judicial act nor any foreign intervention. It is an administrative act that must be performed relating to the due respect for political rights and the Rule of Law. I have personally taken the initiative to inform my counterparts in the European Union and the European Commission. On many occasions, I also had the opportunity to speak with the representatives of the Albanian government at the highest level to express the Greek government’s position. It is a commonly accepted fact that in democracies, discounts are not applicable.
I would like to conclude with specific reflections I believe hold particular value in today’s challenging and volatile times. We discuss a community of values, such as the European Union, at a time when values are being shaken and certainties are at stake. It is tough to undertake any prospective exploration of events, as we do not know what the future holds.
We need consistency, honesty, and a common approach to the fundamental issues.
We are aware of the need for continuous updating in our approach to achieving the firm goals of integrating the Western Balkans into the European family. The Thessaloniki Declaration of 2003 must remain our foundation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to these principles. Greece will continue to be an ardent supporter of the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European family. It is mutually beneficial and historically necessary.
We realize that the fulfillment of the European aspirations of the Western Balkan states is of particular importance. We cannot continue placing obstacles and disappoint their peoples. The EU must also demonstrate its political will for the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European family more robustly. Correspondingly, the Western Balkan states must assimilate the technical parts of the European acquis, thus leading us to a Europe that will be precisely as these states pursue: a Europe of peoples’ prosperity, good cooperation, tranquility, and détente.
I would like to conclude with a quote from the Athens Declaration of August 21st, 2023:
“The time has come to adopt a bold and ambitious end goal that will serve as guide, inspiration, and context.”
In this regard, we will continue to work with faith, vigor, and the expectation that, in due time, the European family will grow and be rejuvenated. And in this context, Thessaloniki will always be the city that brings us together.
Thank you very much.
November 21, 2023