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The President of the Republic Baltic Development Forum Riga Summit, 6 October 2003
06.10.2003


Mr. Chairman,
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First allow me to express my gratitude to our moderator, the Chairman of the Baltic Development Forum Mr. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen for the wonderful opportunity of making this speech on a current topic. It is splendid that for several decades already the Baltic Sea region has been having such an untiring spokesperson as Mr. Ellemann-Jensen. His foresight and vision have been instrumental in forming the co-operation network of our region into what it is today. But there is still a lot to do, and thus it is more than appropriate to cast a glance on the possibilities of the Baltic Sea region to contribute into the future of our continent after the enlargement of the European Union.

Accession of the Baltic Sea countries to the European Union means adding of our own unique experience to that of the existing 15 Member States. The rapid development, as well as the involvement of the new Member States at the European arena is certainly not unexpected or undesirable. On the contrary - this will, in fact, only strengthen Europe whose vigour and resources tap into its diversity. European solidarity is, of course, something that should be cherished at all times, however I see no grounds for concern about the European ideals and basic values. Instead, the EU enlargement witnesses of their validity and permanence, and in the co-operation of 25 states their understanding and meaning shall be based on even more solid foundation.

At referendums the vast majority of the peoples in the new Member States have given their votes in support of the European project. For years the trends of the European integration have not enjoyed as vigorous a public support as they do today. The fact that the citizens of the accessing countries have posed and are posing critical-minded questions regarding the objectives and functioning mechanisms of the European Union, represents a healthy and quite desirable development. It demonstrates that the people are highly interested in their own destiny as well as that of all Europeans, and that they wish to have an equal say in forming the future. I am convinced that participation of the new Member States on the basis of parity gives a new thrust to the development of our continent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Co-operation between the Baltic States played a momentous role in the struggle for the restoration of independence, in building a new life, in the success of our economies. Today we may speak of three European countries advancing at a remarkable speed. This dynamics has been supported both by the co-operation between our countries, as well as the relations with the Nordic countries, and the entire Baltic region.

A considerable share of the business co-operation between our countries is a result of the activities of the private sector. Nevertheless, there are two areas to which we should continue to contribute: energy and transport. It is not merely because the vast majority of these large infrastructure businesses are not privatised yet. They often represent areas that have such powerful bearing on the daily life of the society, that taking strategic decisions is indeed the task of governments and parliaments. Many of these solutions involve considerable expenses, and their financing is realised via tariffs on the account of virtually all members of the society.

In the beginning of September the issues of these two areas were discussed in Vilnius by the prime ministers of the Baltic States, Poland and Finland, with the participation of representatives of the European Commission. The participants again stated their readiness to continue work with such transport plans as Via Baltica, Rail Baltica, as well as with development of maritime transport. Balanced and integrated development of various modes of transport, both within our three countries, as well as in the Baltic region as a whole, shall remain one of the major tasks of our governments. I consider further development and extension of Via Baltica and Rail Baltica expressways to Central and South Europe highly important. This would ensure creating of an even faster and better link between North Europe and South Europe, that will unquestionably contribute to the development of both trade and tourism.

Significant processes are taking place in the energy field as well. The laying of an undersea power cable between Estonia and Finland, known as Estlink, which is being accomplished with the resources of the private sector, is a matter of a conceivable future. Lithuania and Poland too work towards joining their power grids. Major political preconditions have been created for the cross-Baltic electric power market, but there is yet a lot to be done to ensure the conditions for fair competition.

The Baltic States increasingly collaborate with the Nordic countries. Realisation of the reforms of both the Baltic Assembly, and the Baltic Council of Ministers would further improve the efficiency and concertedness of the activities of these institutions. Then we can be even more resourceful partners to each other, to the Nordic countries, to the Council of the Baltic Sea States, and to the European Union.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As representatives of the Baltic Sea countries we should clearly understand the way we see the development of our region in Europe. What could we do for the region and the Baltic Sea that links us, either via the European Union, and through other forms of co-operation?

The Baltic Development Forum is a worthy example of joining efforts of public and private sectors. The development of the Baltic Sea region, and its economic growth is a result of a favourable business climate, unambiguous objectives of national and transnational co-operation. Today, when economic growth in a number of other regions in Europe is insignificant, we - in our region - are however entitled to feel optimistic. Continuously intensifying integration and the coming EU enlargement have a positive impact on the economic growth around the Baltic Sea, and will continue to have that for some time. Our task here is to discuss the ways of making the economic growth sustainable, and to ensure the prerequisites necessary for further development.

At this point I would like to address the topic that is very close to my heart, and something no-one could imagine the region's well-being without. I would like to address the environmental situation of the Baltic Sea, and the need for ensuring safety of maritime transport. Under the conditions of growing economic activity, escalating transport load and increasing need for energy bearers the traffic on the Baltic Sea continues to intensify. The European Union also motivatedly considers the so-called waterways concept one of the possible measures to direct shipments into more efficient and environment-friendly forms.

It is obvious that in the coming years the intensity of maritime transport on the Baltic Sea will grow manifold.

However, misconceptions, according to which some Baltic Sea countries intend to impair maritime transport, have been starting to spread lately. This is how the attempt to minimise the environmental disasters hazard by laying down stipulations for maritime transport, inevitable in our conditions, have been seen by some. Those who are interested in the development of maritime transport should understand that reduction of risks cannot contradict to their business interests. Parties with long-term and responsible business plans should understand that laying down stipulations complying with the existing conditions is a way to ensure long-term future prospects of the industry. I believe that all businesses involved in maritime transport understand that we do not need on our sea yet another tragedy, that would damage the entire marine environment, and disrupt business plans. Thus any measures targeted at the increase of safety at sea, as well as recognising the Baltic Sea as a particularly susceptible marine region, and laying down adequate ice class and structural requirements of vessels is directly in the best interest of parties dependent on maritime transport. Stating otherwise represents short-sighted politics. Possible disasters caused by tanker vessels would harm the environment beyond repair.

I do hope that the Council of the Baltic Sea Countries that has been called into existence by our honourable chairman, will develop an intense agenda for finding solutions to the problem discussed by me within the frames of international co-operation, for the membership of the Council includes all the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea.

What I expect from the today's forum is for politicians and members of the business community to find a common language in identifying the solutions that would assist us to proceed on the path of well-being and prosperity of our Baltic Region and Europe as a whole.


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