COPENHAGEN — Germany’s ex-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer favors Ukraine’s integration into the European Union. Not coincidentally, he was one of few European politicians who lobbied for Javier Solana’s mission to Ukraine during the Orange Revolution. He told Den’ why Ukraine is important for the EU and what Brussels and Kyiv could do to bring this European reality closer to Ukraine.
Mr. Fischer, we know that you had doubts about the Lisbon Treaty being quickly ratified. Have you changed your mind after the Irish voted for this treaty and President Lech Kaczynski of Poland recently signed it?
“Indeed, all that’s left is the Czech President Vaclav Klaus’ signature. I’m sure this will be done before long and the Lisbon Treaty will become effective.”
You think that there is no need to exert any pressure on Klaus to append his signature as soon as possible?
“I think that everything is now in the hands of those responsible for completing the process in the Czech Republic and Brussels.”
Do you think Tony Blair could be the European Union’s first president?
“I don’t have the slightest idea. This doesn’t depend on me.”
In a recent interview you admitted that Europe lacked people with strategic thinking. Could Mr. Blair be one of them?
“I’m not sure, and in this way you will not get any information from me. I’m out of the political realm and do not comments on Blair’s or anyone else’s actions.”
As you know, November 9 will mark the 20th anniversary of the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. Do you think the politicians who are currently in power realize the significance of this event?
“It happened 20 years ago. It’s important to look back and ahead. I still think that the reunification of Germany was and remains a success. Another success was the reunification of Europe and the expansion of the European Union. Now we have to keep moving forth. Generally speaking, I believe that Europe is still a challenge for us after the Cold War. We must work hard to establish a European order based on such resolution and the rule of law.”
Will this complete — or completely reunited — Europe include Ukraine?
“I think that Ukraine needs doors open for it. This is very important. We had the same kind of debate with the Poles who wanted us to name the date. However, everything depends on effective governance. If more domestic reforms have been implemented, competitiveness has increased, and the rule of law is based on independent institutions, we can broach this subject.
“I believe that Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty are very important to Europe. First, it is Europe’s cornerstone after the Cold War. Second, Ukraine must improve its performance.”
You took part in Yalta’s YES summit, precisely at the Livadiya Palace, and you heard the three Ukrainian presidential candidates. Could you name the best one for Ukraine, in particular in terms of integration into the European structures?
“They are all excellent candidates, so Ukrainians have to make their choice.”
Let us change the subject. There is a new coalition taking shape in Germany between the Conservatives and New Democrats. Is it likely to pay more attention to Ukraine and support it, in contrast to what the previous broad coalition did?
“I do hope they will improve the relations between Germany and Ukraine, but this is a future challenge. I don’t want to criticize the previous government, but I consider it necessary to stress the fact that the independent and sovereign status of Ukraine is the cornerstone of the European order that took shape after the Cold War.”
Quite a few German politicians and members of parliament consider it necessary for Ukraine, as a democracy, to prove successful and thus show an example worth being emulated by Russia. What do you think Germany and the EU should do to help Ukraine carry out the reforms and be a success?
“In the first place, this is a challenge to the leaders inside Ukraine. No one can do this outside Ukraine. Second, the relations between the EU and Ukraine must be improved — and this wouldn’t be aimed against anyone else. I believe that Ukraine mustn’t be the subject of a controversy between Europe and Russia. We must improve our relations, and there is a lot of work to be done, including economic contacts, trade, infrastructures, and institutions.
“Europe could indeed contribute to these spheres, especially with regard to Ukraine’s next-door neighbors. Poland is actively collaborating with Ukraine. Germany could also be of help here, along with the Scandinavian countries. I think that your country has good opportunities here. However, the main thing is the commitment of Ukrainian politicians.”
We all know that Germany is collaborating with Russia on a modernization partnership program. Why isn’t there a program like this between Berlin and Kyiv?
“This is something worth being discussed. Really, why not? However, I’m not a decision-maker.”
Since you are a participant in the 7th Global Editors’ Forum, From Kyoto to Copenhagen, I can’t omit asking your opinion on the outcome of this climate change summit scheduled to take place in the Danish capital in early December?
“This will be a tough challenge, but I’m hoping for the best.”
