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”.