OPENING STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND

REGIONAL COOPERATION AND THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS; Comparing Nordic and Central European Experiences,

Budapest, March 10, 1995

The ongoing process of transformation in Central Europe has posed new challenges for the European economic and security system in general and for the countries of the region in particular. A key task, also at this conference, is to compare different experiences and analyse possibilities and mechanisms to pursue further economic and security integration in Europe without creating new divisions.

The EU strategy for Central and Eastern Europe and the Nordic experience of cooperation provide perspectives that should be carefully studied.

Last autumn, the European Union adopted a strategy envisioning an enhanced political dialogue and structured cooperation with Associated Members Central and Eastern Europe. The aim of this strategy is greater political and economic stability in Europe.

Finland and the other Nordic countries fully support this EU strategy since it provides clear-cut mechanisms for cooperation and modalities for a further enlargement of the Union. Another basic element that should be emphasized is that Associated Members will be included in this strategy on their own merits. No country or group of countries will be left out simply because of their geographical location or historical background.

"The Nordic experience" appropriately complements the cooperation framework adopted by the European Union. The Nordic countries have had very good experience of regional cooperation based on common values and shared interests. The strength of Nordic cooperation lies in its informality; cooperation is practical and not linked solely to any structure or mechanism.

For individual Nordic countries intensified regional cooperation has brought many advantages. It was important also during the last few years when we were negotiating with the European Union, first to create the European Economic Area and then on full membership of the Union. If Finland had been the only applicant for membership of the Union, the results would not necessarily have been as good as they were.

The fact that Norway, unlike Finland and Sweden, decided not to join the Union at this juncture has not affected Nordic cooperation negatively. On the contrary, it has provided additional fields where cooperation can be further developed.

Summing up the "Nordic message" to this seminar, I want to emphasize two things. First, the EU strategy for Central and Eastern Europe provides a coherent framework for developing cooperation in the area and enhancing European stability in general. The strategy should be fully utilized. Secondly, the strength of the Nordic experience, intensified and informal regional cooperation based on common values and shared interests deserves to be closely studied in Central and Eastern Europe. The Nordic experience could, for instance, serve as a model for solving minority issues in Central and Eastern Europe.