Serbia, Christmas and the Spanish Presidency

Post-Copenhagen

It is no secret that we would have wished for a better deal in Copenhagen. The deal the world finally could agree on will not solve the climate issue. There was a lack of political will from some parts and with the current structure of the climate convention, where consenus is needed to come to a decision, the possibilities to delay the discussions are noticeable. Together with several African countries and small island states, the EU pushed for a more ambitious outcome, but those with the lowest ambitions set the agenda.

Among the positive results from Copenhagen is the recognition of the two degree target. The commitment to pay for adaptation and mitigation in the developing countries is also important. The commitment from the industrialized countries amounts to about 30 billion dollars for the period 2010-2012, of which the EU and Japan will contribute with more than 10 billion dollars each, while the US puts in 3,6 billion dollars.

The commitments to emissions reductions, however, remain too weak and no long-term goal is set. Many unclear points remain, for example the fundamental issue how we could come to a new legally binding agreement for those not included in the Kyoto protocol.

It is also disturbing that the deal does not clearly state that we now strive for a global, legally binding agreement during 2010. A lot of work remains to be done if we are to build on this deal and reach an agreement that would put the two degree target within reach.

Serbian EU application – a milestone for Europe

This afternoon, Serbian President Boris Tadic will visit Stockholm to hand over the country’s application for membership in the European Union. This makes it an important day, and actually a milestone in history for both Serbia and the EU.

Just fifteen years ago, the Balkans were struck by a devastating war, in which Serbia was deeply involved. Following the arrest of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000, Serbia has moved closer and closer to Europe, which is indeed very positive. In October, the Commission pointed at the positive development of Serbia’s reforms, and this also goes for its cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.

There is a clear goal: all ex-Yugoslav countries will be welcomed as EU members the day they fulfil the criteria. There is a complete consensus about this among Member States.

We have already achieved a lot: Slovenia is a member since five years, Croatia is likely to complete negotiations during 2010 and negotiations may soon start with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Montenegro has applied for membership, and Bosnia-Hercegovina and Kosovo work hard to come closer to the Union.

Last Saturday, the visa regime was lifted for citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This has an enormous impact on countries, where the vast majority of young people have never been abroad.

With visa liberalization and today’s Serbian application, we have taken a great and important leap forward towards integrating the entire Balkan in the EU. This means yet another step towards a Europe, where common problems are solved through discussions – and not through war. And this is the whole idea of European integration.