Interview with the Mayors of Koge, Szczecin and Vilnius

What are your expectations for your own city in connection with the enlargement?

J.Stopyra: As a balanced development of all the regions determines success of the Community's economy, we, local government leaders must prepare to participate in the structural policy. We have to develop innovative projects that will serve local communities and find partners in the EU. We know that our membership in the EU shall not change our reality as if touched with a magic wand. The Poles can expect hard work, but I believe in its sense as it shall produce new good possibilities. We can be a strong and well-recognised partner. We should make better use of our attributes - geographical location, rich traditions and culture.

For Szczecin entering the EU means first of all new development impulses and good motivation for faster modernisation of our city. The enlargement brings increased competitiveness, infrastructure upgrade, attracting foreign investors, new jobs, better education and career chances for our youth.

T.Hansen: For centuries the Baltic Sea was the element that tied together the sourrounding state. Nevertheless, for the longer part of 20th century the Baltic Sea was divided. The inclusion of Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the EU is a matter of restoring normality around the Baltic Sea. A normality, which allows us to resume our close relationship within the fields of trade, industry and culture. However, the enlargement of the EU also represents a fresh start. The importance of the Baltic region in relation to environmental and social policies as well as job and education opportunities for our youth is obvious.

With Koge's infrastructure keyposition it is natural for our city to see itself as a key player in the development of industry, trade and transport in the new Baltic region within the EU.

A.Zuokas: We have great expectations. Over 80% of Lithuanians are in favour of this important step! We expect to have all rights and freedom resulting from the EU's free movement of capital, goods, services and people. We will definitely insist on opening of the job markets to our citizens by the present member-states.

With a consumer having a larger choice or enter-prises having a new potential, both will be a great asset for Lithuania - one of the best- prepared accession countries. Also, common border controls, fighting organized crime, and exterior relations with the neighbouring countries are very important to us.

As the successful state has a unique impact on the city, Vilnius offers one of the most favourable investment possibilities, and is a unique example of preserving the cultural heritage, science and modern technologies. It becomes the meeting point and centre of political forums between the North, North-East and Central Europe.

Do you think the identity of your citizens will be more European ?

J.Stopyra: The szczecinians are Europeans. Entering the EU can only contribute to better understanding of own belonging and regional identity.

T.Hansen: Denmark has been a member of the EU for more than 30 years. Decisions made by the EU affect our everyday lives and we enjoy greater opportunities, particularly in terms of mobility. More and more young Danes study and work in other EU countries and they undoubtedly think of themselves as having a European identity as well as a Danish identity. However, most people's lives revolve around issues and concerns like school, jobs, health care, child care, and local cultural activities, which is all provided locally by local and national authorities. It is in relation to these local and national political structures that people identify themselves.

A.Zuokas: As of 1 May, the EU will have 25 member states with peoples of different cultural traditions, speaking different languages, having own faith, and distinct national and cultural characteristics. No doubt there will be a tendency for Europeanization, and globalization in Lithuania. But with more active intergovernmental affairs, the EU will experience the impact of Lithuanian national culture. I am sure that both the present and the new member states will skilfully keep their unique national identities intact.

In what direction do you think EU will develop after the enlargement ?

J.Stopyra: The EU shall not evolve in the direction of the United States of Europe. It is likely that a fully federal system shall be built. The public opinion wants the effective European Union, and not the Union that destroys national diversities and traditions. Looking from this perspective, the Union is a European network with decentralised power located in many centres.

T.Hansen: I think that the present enlargement of the European Union over time will widen our perspective. For the past 50 years we have focused on our near and distant neighbours to the North, West and South. The "old" and the "new" Baltic EU-members constitute a new geographical region within the EU but we may also come to represent a new region in terms of our perspective. Perhaps in time we will have a "Baltic perspective" to match the "Mediterranean perspective".

A.Zuokas: All new member states will contribute to the growth of European economy and its productivity augmentation and attraction. The EU will open new-fangled possibilities for cooperation for Russia which should be interested in these opportunities. Former Soviet countries in SE could have prepared to integrate with the EU. It is also likely that the economic zones for the East will be formed.
The EU support strengthened local authorities in Palestine and contributed to restoration of the West Cost and Gaza. Considering the support that was given for Medi-terranean region countries, it is believed, that the EU have already built the foundations for peace, regional cooperation and economic prosperity in these countries.

There are three whales that hold the EU, i.e. security, democracy and respect for the human rights. I do truly believe that we will be going this way.