In December of this year Finland celebrated the 93rd anniversary of the independent statehood. We are proud of our Northern country which acquired independence following the Russian revolution in 1917, struggled for that independence during the WWII and from being a poor agricultural country it became one of the world’s richest countries.
When speaking of Finland and the three countries of South Caucasus – Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan – we often think that the histories of these countries have interesting common things. All the countries used to be within one powerful unit, the Russian empire. During 100 years before the independence Finland had sovereignty. Finland acquired independence in 1917 and could keep it. The destinies of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan were different. The collapse of the Soviet Union changed the world order and these countries recovered their independence. Often countries adopt their approach to Europe based on their geopolitical location, history and culture. But the most important thing is the wish of countries to be integrated with Europe. The identity of Europe is not the geopolitical location or even the culture, but the belief and loyalty to the common values. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are European countries and have the right to build a European future. The EU and Finland welcome the willingness of these countries to approach Europe and cooperate with these institutions according to the respective formats, specifically the European neighborhood Policy and have undertaken in the associated talks to support their partners in this process.
The process of Finland’s integration with Europe happened not in a straight and fast manner but we passed a long way through phases, sometimes encountering serious obstacles, as well as the negative approach of the USSR to the possibility of making free trade with the European Economic Union. It took 39 years from being a GATT member to becoming EU member. In 1956 Finland became a GATT member, which was the successor of the World Trade Organization. The process of integration with Europe started in 1961, when Finland became an associated member of the European Association of Free Trade (EAFT). In 1972 a free trade agreement was signed, and meanwhile a cooperation agreement was signed with the Economic Support Union (ESU). In 1986 Finland became a full member of the European Association of Free Trade. In 1992 Finland applied for becoming a EU member and became a member of the EU in 1995. Due to the free trade and integration Finland could modernize the economy and expand to the European markets. As a result of long-term preparation works in 1990s the process of becoming a member of the EU proceeded very fast and without shocks. It is worth mentioning that in parallel with integrating with the European institutions Finland maintained good relations with the USSR, and later with Russia. The trade relations with the Eastern partners were very important for Finland. Now Russia is one of the largest trade partners for Finland too.
In consideration of Finland’s experience, I would advise all the countries seeking European integration to think seriously about the prospects Europe is offering and use these opportunities in the best manner. The associated agreement negotiations with the EU have started effectively and they can finish very soon if all the partners meet the conditions necessary for the implementation of the agreement. The most difficult part of the negotiations concerns the free trade zone. The negotiations on the associated agreement and free trade zone require mutually flexible approach and understanding, besides the huge work behind it. Steps will be taken in the associated agreement and trade zone in consideration of the policies of each of these countries. Anyway it is worth making efforts to sign the free trade agreement, which can significantly increase the trade capacity between every separate country and the countries of the EU.
Finland encourages the policies targeted at the free movement of people. In parallel with the associated agreement negotiations we are discussing the possibility of easing the visa regime too, which will make closer the possibility of contact without visas. Finland encourages this approach from the very beginning of the process. The free movement is one of the main principles of the European Union.
In the framework of the European Union Finland also supports the Eastern Partnership Project. We want to contribute to the process supporting the close relations between the European Union and Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Finland finds that the EU should support the reforms in these countries more actively in the future. These reforms stem out of the interests of both these countries and the EU countries. We support the negotiations on the associated agreement. We think that the non-visa regime is the long-term goal of the six partner countries.
Based on our experience and history we believe in democracy, rule of law and civic society. We appreciate the role of media and civic institutions in any country. We hope that non-governmental organizations will be actively involved in the implementation process of the Eastern Partnership Project.
On the threshold of the 21st century I would like to encourage Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia for the future reforms in their countries. All these countries can surely be proud of their achievements. The development of the neighboring countries of South Caucasus which has had a difficult history of conflicts is suffering. It is said that the settlement of existing conflicts is the key to stabile development of democracy and economy in any country. And it is the vice versa; democracy and free economic relations are a condition for settling conflicts. We are wishing the parties success in the process of the conflict settlement in order to support the development of the societies in each of these countries and the region in general. Based on such factors these countries can build a European future. We want to be the friends of these three countries of the region – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – as well both in the framework of the EU and in direct relations. I would like to use this opportunity and wish the best, happiness and success to our friends in South Caucasus in this new 2011 year.