I’d like to begin by congratulating the French Presidency on organising this first “EU/Central Asian Forum on Security Issues”. Central Asia is a region of vital importance for the European Union. Our ties are deepening, with dialogue and cooperation expanding across the board. Addressing the common security challenges we face is crucial to our growing partnership.
Some of you will remember the words of famous American philosopher Francis Fukuyama in the early 90s:
"What we may be witnessing is not just the end of the Cold War...but the end of history... That is... the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government."
Well I would argue that the events of the last few weeks in the Caucasus – show that the “end of history” is not quite here yet, particularly in terms of the peaceful coexistence of neighbouring states. Today’s forum therefore, could not be more timely.
In my remarks today - and I hope you’ll forgive me for being brief as I will need to leave swiftly for the airport in a few minutes - I’d like to address just three of our common security challenges.
First, terrorism. Seven years after September 11, the threat of terrorism and extremism is more acute than ever. Europe and Central Asia have a strong common interest in tackling these twin problems at their root. Not all terrorism or extremism grows out of poverty, but poverty provides fertile terrain for both. That is one of the reasons I have insisted that poverty alleviation should be a key element of our partnership. Extremism also flourishes in repressive conditions. We are all, via our membership of the OSCE, committed to respect for human rights and democratization: our best weapons against extremism.
Second, drug trafficking/border issues. A fifth of the heroin from Afghanistan transits Central Asia towards Europe – and Afghan opium increasingly creates social problems for the Central Asian population too. Together we need to become more effective, in reducing supply and demand. The EU will continue to support interdiction measures to tackle illegal trade, but also public awareness campaigns to reduce consumption, rehabilitation of addicts and efforts to tackle related problems like the spread of HIV/AIDS.
A step change in cooperation on other illicit trafficking –chemical precursors, biological, radiological and nuclear materials – is also required.
But modern borders of course aren’t just about providing security, we are also working with our partners in Central Asia to facilitate licit trade.
Last but not least, energy and the environment. Strengthening our energy partnership with Central Asia is a top political priority for the European Union. The region is central to our strategy of diversification of energy supplies and supply routes, a policy that is all the more pertinent after the events of this summer. The events in the Caucasus have given both Central Asia and Europe food for thought. The security dimension of our energy policies has been thrown into sharp relief. And, while we in the EU are intensifying efforts with regard to the security of our supplies, Central Asia also has a strong interest in diversifying its export routes.
We intend to redouble our efforts to develop energy links between the EU and Central Asia through diversified energy transportation routes and new energy infrastructure, including Nabucco. Making a reality of the long-discussed "southern corridor" must be the focus of our work together in the coming months, and I hope that at our next Baku ministerial in late November we can give new impetus to the creation of a Trans-Caspian energy corridor.
Central Asia has great potential not only in terms of oil and gas, but also in its hydro power resources, and I believe this is a key to economic development notably through smaller scale hydro-power generators that can be put to use quickly.
Which brings me to water. Differences between upstream and downstream countries can turn into flash points in the region. The EU is taking an increasing role in supporting more efficient water usage and contributing to developing frameworks that will promote cross-border cooperation.
As to climate change, Javier and I recently presented a joint report analyzing how climate change will act as “a threat multiplier”, spreading water and food scarcity, aggravating poverty, worsening health conditions, and possibly generating competition for control of resources. These are dangers that we must take seriously in the Central Asian context.
Time allowing I would have addressed other issues: economic growth, food security, education, and transport infrastructure – on all of which we will continue our close cooperation. But I must conclude.
I know this Forum will generate valuable ideas on how we can best address our common challenges together. You can count on the commitment, the partnership, and the ability of the European Commission to deliver more. And, on a personal note, as Commissioner for External Relations and the Neighborhood Policy you can count on mine.
I thank you for your attention.