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CSIS New European Democracies Project Summary

Core Content

The CSIS New European Democracies Project provides a summary of recent political, social, and economic developments in Central, Eastern, and Southeast European countries. The update focuses on key events in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Baltic States (Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia), as well as Southeast Europe (Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania). It highlights the progress and challenges these nations face in their integration into European institutions and international cooperation.

Central European Update

Czech Republic

• 15 November: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the Czech Republic, where he received support for Turkey's EU membership aspirations. The Czech Republic will hold the EU presidency from January 2009 and plans to use this role to advance Turkey's membership.
• 14 November: The European Court of Human Rights ruled that segregating Roma students into special schools constitutes discriminatory treatment, violating their right to equal education.
• 17 November: Celebrated as the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy, marking the start of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that led to the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.

Hungary

• 1 January 2008: Hungary will open its labor market to skilled Romanian workers, as agreed during a joint Romanian-Hungarian government session in Sibiu.
• 14 November: Hungary and Romania also agreed on a high-speed train connection between Budapest and Constanta via Bucharest, and to accelerate the Nabucco pipeline project.
• 12 November: Hungary's OTP Bank acquired a 100% stake in Russia's Donskoy Narodny Bank (DNB) for USD 40.95 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed by early 2008.

Poland

• 10 November: The Polish Peasant Party (PSL) and Civic Platform formed a coalition government, securing a slight majority in the Sejm. PSL's Waldemar Pawlak was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy.
• 14 November: A military court in Poznan charged six Polish soldiers with the killing of six Afghan civilians. If convicted, the soldiers could face prison sentences of 12 years to life.

Slovakia

• 12 November: Slovakia assumed the Council of Europe presidency, with a term lasting until May 2008. The country emphasized its priorities in promoting human rights, democracy, and stability in the Balkans.
• 13 November: The Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKU) nominated Iveta Radicova as a presidential candidate for 2009, aiming to challenge current President Ivan Gasparovic.

Slovenia

• 13 November: Danilo Tuerk won the Slovenian presidential election with over 68% of the vote. He will be inaugurated on 22 December, just a week before Slovenia assumes the EU presidency in January 2008.
• 12 November: Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and David Miliband to discuss the Middle East peace process and EU-Western Balkans relations.
• 14 November: Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa visited the UK and met with Queen Elizabeth II and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Baltic States Update

Lithuania

• 14 November: President Valdas Adamkus met with Swedish officials to discuss energy projects, including integrating the Baltic states into the EU electricity market.
• 12 November: Lithuanian Defense Minister Juozas Olekas met with Armenian officials in Yerevan, announcing plans for mountain warfare training in Armenia for Lithuanian servicemen.
• 14 November: Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas met with French officials to discuss bilateral relations, EU and NATO cooperation, and investment opportunities.

Estonia

• 9 October: Estonia ranked 8th in economic freedom among 141 global economies, according to the Cato Institute.
• 12 November: Seven countries (including the U.S., Spain, Germany, and Lithuania) agreed to establish a NATO Center of Excellence in Cooperative Cyber Defense in Estonia, following cyber attacks earlier in the year.
• This month: The Estonian School of Diplomacy will host training courses for young diplomats and civil servants from Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.

Latvia

• 13 November: Latvia increased its military presence in Afghanistan, raising the number of troops from 95 to 200. The country will continue its participation in the NATO-led ISAF mission for six years.
• 13 November: Latvia and Hungary agreed on a visa cooperation agreement, allowing mutual representation in visa issuance once both countries meet Schengen requirements.

Southeast European Update

Bulgaria

• 13 November: Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev visited Armenia, marking the first official visit by a Bulgarian government leader to the country. Cooperation agreements were signed to enhance economic and cultural ties.
• 12 November: Bulgaria and Azerbaijan signed agreements on economic cooperation, antitrust policies, and tax avoidance, with a focus on strengthening the Nabucco gas pipeline project.

Croatia

• 15 November: U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Victoria Nuland, indicated that Croatia may receive a NATO membership invitation at the Bucharest summit in April 2008, though no final decision has been made.
• 11 November: A man wanted for war crimes in Croatia, Goran Pavic, was arrested in Canada while crossing the Ambassador Bridge.

Romania

• 12 November: The European Parliament discussed an Italian decree targeting Roma immigrants, which Romania criticized as discriminatory. EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso condemned Italy's stance on Roma integration.
• 14 November: Romania and Hungary signed five cooperation documents, including a declaration on Romania's Schengen accession, a high-speed rail project, and agreements on state aid and EU fund co-financing.

Key Information

• EU Membership and Presidency: Several countries, including the Czech Republic and Slovenia, are highlighted for their roles in EU presidency and Turkey's EU membership aspirations.
• Human Rights Issues: The European Court of Human Rights ruled against Roma segregation in schools, emphasizing the need for equal education.
• NATO and Security: NATO-related developments include the proposed cyber defense center in Estonia and increased military presence in Afghanistan by Latvia.
• Economic Cooperation: Joint agreements between Romania and Hungary, as well as Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, reflect efforts to enhance economic ties and infrastructure projects.
• Political Reforms: Poland's coalition government and Slovakia's presidential candidate nomination show ongoing political dynamics and reform efforts.

Main Points

• The region is actively engaging in EU and NATO integration, with several countries assuming key roles in European institutions.
• Human rights and social integration, particularly of Roma communities, are significant concerns and have been addressed by international courts and EU leaders.
• Economic freedom and cooperation are central to the region's development, with Estonia leading in economic rankings and multiple bilateral agreements being signed.
• Military and security are also priorities, with increased troop deployments and the establishment of new defense centers.
• Political alliances and reforms continue to shape the region, with coalition governments and presidential nominations reflecting internal and external political strategies.