Central European Perpsective on Asia
Speaker: Mr Ryszard Schnepf, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Poland
Date: Thursday, 28th February 2008
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Lecture Synopsis
by Panos Vrahiotis
The European Union is a growing entity with Poland being one of its recent members, having
joined in 2004. In an hour long talk at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Mr Ryszard
Schnepf, the Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke of a
European Union of shared values and highlighted an agenda of global concerns which
Poland as a member of the EU, commonly shares with Asian nations.
The lecture was coordinated by ASEF (Asia Europe Foundation) with the ambassadors of
Switzerland, Mexico, Cambodia, Hungary, Ukraine and the European Commission
respectively, being present at the event.
The European Union
Mr Schnepf, opened his speech by explaining how development policies are instrumental in
the diplomatic efforts for regions which are undergoing economic, social and political change.
He stated that the EU accession of Poland and the other 7 states in Eastern Europe has led
to a prioritisation of goals on a level of Foreign Policy.The eastern region of Europe is closely
collaborating with the work of the European Union and NATO; the unity of the Continent and
enhancement of its global role now being some of the prime objectives.
When questioned about Poland’s position on Kosovo and its independence, Mr Schnepf
stressed that historical memory should not be overlooked but rather combined with processes
that will result to a secure future.
“We recognise the importance and the courage of the Serbian nation (during WWII)
but at the same moment we know that there was no solution to the mundane situation in
Kosovo.” Mr Schnepf highlighted the heightened probability of future ethnic conflicts and
bloodshed had Kosovo’s independence not been proclaimed.
“Poland decided to support the position of the majority of the European countries to
recognise this state in Europe but at the same time extends to the Serbian Republic,
offering the possibility of future EU accession and inclusion in NATO structures”.
Great efforts and compliances are necessary to be made prior to European accession. Mr
Schnepf, explained how after an 18 year economic and political reform process, Poland is
now one of the fastest growing countries in the region, with 100 billion US dollars in
investment. However, the greatest advantage can be seen in the direct and unlimited
access to the single European market of over 460 million consumers.
Globalisation
The Polish Undersecretary of State described EU membership as part of the Polish “raison
d’etat” (national interest), a political project that guarantees peace, security, prosperity and
social development. As Mr Schnepf, explained, “The process of European integration is also
a component of the wider integration trend in the contemporary world, the same process of
integration that Asian countries are also experiencing through the prism of the ASEAN
charter adopted here in Singapore last November.” In addition to this, such integration
tendencies are strengthening regional cooperation and are a trademark of the modern
world.
Global Concerns
Mr Schnepf, stressed that the times of prosperity, security and stability had died
since September 11th. He described the contemporary world as being swept by
misunderstandings, intolerance and fear in which dialogue between societies is necessary
and an understanding of cultural and religious differences is imperative.
Mr Schnepf stated that further integration of the Euro Atlantic area and an advance in the
international consolidation of states with shared democratic values, would both strengthen
and preserve common global and strategic values. Such could be achieved through further
co-operation between Poland, NATO and the EU and ASEAN countries.
Europe- Asia: Perspectives
Mr Schnepf explained that European enlargement and the addition of Poland has resulted in
the creation of a new energy and perspective which allows the EU to catch up with the rest of
the world. After quoting from Kishore Mahbubani’s latest book: The New Asian Hemisphere,
he focused on the opinion that Europe should venture outside the comfort zone and face the
challenges. As Mr Schnepf stated: “I can only agree with ambassador Kishore
Mahbubani, in that the future of the world will have to incorporate a power sharing agreement
between the East and the West.”
Mr Schnepf acknowledged that with the rise of China and India such incorporation is not only
inevitable but is also a desirable path for maintaining stability. Whilst, mentioning the
agenda of common interests and areas of concern that Europe shares with Asia, Mr Schnepf
named the combating of terrorism and the prevention of nuclear proliferation as some of the most
important issues, describing Europe and Asia as “partners and stakeholders in the emerging
new world.”
Mr Schnepf explained that effective dialogue between civilisations and cultures is based on
two conditions. Firstly, on the basis that mutual respect will hopefully lead to mutual
understanding and secondly, on the fair exchange of experiences and achievements
between different societies and nations.
It was precisely the mention of dialogue between cultures that spawned the question
concerning Turkey’s EU membership bid. In turn, Mr Schnepf answered, “Poland supports
Turkey’s membership in the European Union. Turkey is an example of not an easy but of a
difficult process of accession.” Adding to this, he said “It is important that we share values,
democracy, human rights, respect for differences in religious life and cultural life. These are
fundamental elements that Europe has and Poland supports enlargement in this direction.”
Before closing his speech, the Polish Undersecretary of State stressed the importance of the
role of religion in such dialogue and stated that it is the politicisation of religion that leads to fundamentalism.
In an effort to stress the importance of effort and dialogue Mr Schnepf concluded by
mentioning the late Pope Jean Paul II.
“The activity of the Pope and particularly his teachings of tolerance towards other religions
strengthened the Christian-Muslim dialogue. He inspired and encouraged a number of
related initiatives across the world. We, in Poland, will continue his path; the road of dialogue,
tolerance and openings from different views”.