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Le Jeudi: A few countries with rather huge problems have recently joined the European Union. Were the stages of enlargement well-planned?
Jean Asselborn: It was a deliberate political decision. We were concerned about the attitude of Europe towards those countries, more or less abandoned to themselves when we built the European Coal and Steel Community after World War 2. Leaving them in a political noman's-land after the implosion of the Soviet Regime would have been catastrophic for all of us. Old member states must now help the new ones, as we all must join ranks if we want to succeed in building a better world. It takes time, of course, but it is the only way.
Le Jeudi: Why is Turkey's accession process so slow?
Jean Asselborn: There are some difficulties which cannot be ignored. Turkey must pursue its democratic development, continue its reform process and provide guarantees for a peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups and cultures within its boundaries is feasible.
As for Cyprus, I am confident that a solution will soon be found for the two communities to prosper in peace on a sovereign and unified island. Greece, for instance, is not opposed to Turkey's accession to the Union. We must convince everyone that it is in Europe's interest to have a European Turkey, rather than a non-European one. It would, among other things, create a gateway to the East and improve our position in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, etc.
Le Jeudi: Is enlargement synonymous with geographical limits?
Jean Asselborn: The integration of the Balkans into the EU could take more than ten years. But it remains a priority. We must finish what we have started in the interest of Europe and the Balkans alike. We need strong economic, cultural and political ties with Belarus, with Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan... Planning another expansion before 2020 would however be overstepping the mark.
The EU borders those countries, but so does Russia, a country whose position must not be ignored under any circumstances, especially when talking about the enlargement of NATO or when reconsidering our relations with Eastern countries. Russia must understand that all actions undertaken to stabilise other Eastern countries are in her own interest as well. To prevent potential tensions, as arising from events like those NATO manoeuvres staged in Georgia, for instance, the EU is well-advised to proceed with the utmost care. The call for military bases all over Eastern Europe is no guarantee of peace, but may only degrade the political climate.
Le Jeudi: George W. Bush admitted the invasion in Iraq was a mistake. Shouldn't the EU review its costly participation in US military operations?
Jean Asselborn: Discussions about the EU defence policy always seem to trigger negative reactions about NATO. NATO didn't participate in the Iraq war. It does participate in Afghanistan, but that mission is based on a decision of the United Nations Security Council. Many countries, including Luxembourg, contribute to this.
By the way, I was personally more impressed by Colin Powell's openhearted interview on the BBC than by Bush's so-called confession.
Now the time to withdraw from Iraq has come. As long as foreign uniforms dominate the scenery there, attacks will continue. The country must be given the means to assure its own security.
Le Jeudi: Any final conclusions. About the war?
Jean Asselborn: That war was a complete disaster. Most countries have realised that their participation has cost them dearly, without yielding the expected results. The resentment of Iraqis towards Westerners today is undeniable. The EU, seeing itself as the champion of human rights and diplomacy, has not been at its best.
Le Jeudi: What's in store for Iran?
Jean Assselborn: Iran will be a major issue for decades to come in terms of foreign policy. Iranians know things are on the edge, but even if Ahmadinejad wins the elections, some degree of moderation is already apparent. After the steps Obama took publicly, he must now work in the deepest "catacombs" of diplomacy to bring about a change of mentality. President Ahmadinejad does not seem to oppose a two-state solution between Palestinians and Israelis. This little diplomatic opening might even induce him to deliver proof that his uranium enrichment is for civilian and not for military purposes.
Le Jeudi: EU-citizens are witnessing a deterioration of their living standards. Will it affect the European elections?
Jean Asselborn: Some of us expect the EU to act as a single state, but we are not an intergovernmental entity. There is no integrated policy on all levels of decision-taking. Economic or social matters are not standardised, labour legislations features huge differences from one member state to another. As a social democrat, I stand for a minimum wage in all European countries and for better job protection in any case. In terms of foreign policy, a more consistent European attitude involves the reduction of national involvement. Unfortunately, citizens are often asked to delegate more sovereignty to Brussels when many of them don't even know how Brussels functions. The current economic crisis is taking a toll on EU credibility, so we must first overcome the crisis and then find out whether we want to push through with an integrated government for all areas, or whether we prefer to proceed with the principle of subsidiarity. For the coming elections I forecast high abstention levels in France, Germany, England and in the new member states.
Le Jeudi: Are EU-citizens not well enough informed?
Jean Asselborn: EU policy is difficult to understand, sometimes even for me. People are encouraged to show more interest in EU affairs, but as soon as domestic interests are at stake, they always seem to prevail.
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