the conflict
The crisis has accelerated the EU’s foreign policy and common defence. The analysis of John Palmer “The European Policy Centre”, a think-tank dedicated to analyzing the process of European integration, with its seat in Brussels, is carefully monitoring the international crisis following the terrorist attacks in the USA and the military offensive in Afghanistan. We interviewed John Palmer , the British Director of the Centre. Do the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council of 21 September give a decisive boost both to the EU’s foreign policy and common security (Pesc) and to the European policy of security and defence (Pesd). Will it be lasting? “Yes, absolutely. Indeed some decisions have already been taken. The enormous strides forward over the last few days are even more evident if we compare the current situation of foreign policy and common security to that of five, four or three years ago. Or even with the situation of just a few months ago. The developments are enormous, at the two levels concerned. First, as regards internal security, the summit reached consensus on some key points (judicial cooperation, European arrest warrants) on which discussion has been going on for years without ever overcoming the situation of stalemate. Second, as regards external security, it’s enough to cite the example of Macedonia: the EU, which now manages the operations of peacekeeping and democratization virtually single handed, has succeeded in stabilizing the situation. The foundations have also been laid for a viable agreement on constitutional reforms. Of course, neither the Pesc nor the Pesd are perfect; many steps still remain to be taken. The Laeken Summit in December will tackle the issues of justice and security as well as the question of anti-terrorism. At the same time, more courage is needed to ensure that European foreign policy be turned into a reality and become more effective. The difficult times we are going through represent a very serious test for the unity of the EU”. What are the consequences of the mission of the European Troika to the capitals of the Islamic countries? “There was a danger that the United States would react to the attacks in a unilateral manner, without consulting its Allies and without applying the principle of proportionality. The fact that this has not happened, and that the response has been a joint one, is also because the Union has contributed to the utmost to form an international anti-terrorism coalition which adds the political, juridical, economic and social aspects to the purely military dimension. The Troika’s mission represents a small part of a difficult process that has as its objective negotiation and dialogue with the Islamic world. For its part, America will henceforth be forced to conduct a more balanced Middle-Eastern policy and to send troops to maintain the hoped-for peace in Palestine and in the occupied Territories”. On what basis can dialogue with the Islamic world be kept open? “By the terrorist attacks of 11 September and by his subsequent pronouncements, Bin Laden aimed to send a message to the entire Islamic establishment: a warning to the moderates and an incitement to the autocracies and to the fanatics. What should the European Union’s attitude be? We have many Arab friends who are fighting against terrorism; defeating it, however, does not mean reinforcing some extremely corrupt States or movements with which Islam is unfortunately familiar. That would be a mistake. We cannot remain silent about the violation of human rights, by whatever side they are committed. A basic change in direction of the economy and the opening of dialogue are needed”. How long could the offensive in Afghanistan last? “It is impossible to forecast developments. The military measures should be limited to terrorist training camps and the infrastructures of the Taleban. The collective defence invoked in conformity with article 5 of the NATO Treaty is placed in this perspective. Simultaneously, a political process has been begun, aimed at the establishment of a government of national liberation and transition with the contribution of the former king of Afghanistan, now in exile in Rome. This process must not be ignored. It is also essential that the UNO obtains a mandate to call and administer free and fair democratic elections in Afghanistan. Gian Andrea Garancini – Brussels
