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| May 13, 2004 |
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| Southeastern Europe Must Not Be Forgotten |
MUNICH, GERMANY - May 13, 2004.
Closer cooperation will help South East Europe back on its feet and secure
the peace in the region. Developed regions can play a substantial role in
that process, Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany) reports it was said during the Seventh German World Bank Forum in Munich.
German Minister for Development Cooperation Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul said at the Forum that the crises in the Middle East region represented a major risk for the countries of South East Europe. "We have to be careful not to forget all about South East Europe." There is already a trend among donor countries to leave the Balkans, the minister warned. "I ask to stay close to South East Europe. There is no point to leave the transformation process in the region to its own devices." The German government has made 980 million euros available for the 2002-2003 period, of which 400 million euros for the Stability Pact. This year will see another 200 million euros go to the region, which makes Germany the second largest donor in the region after the United States.
World Bank President James Wolfensohn also attended the Forum and called
for additional aid. The region needs support so it can develop sustainable
economies. Private capital is now necessary, he said. "Investment [in the
region] is not too risky," Wolfensohn argued. "These are young states,
which have committed themselves to peace, " he said. Hence, the World Bank
was not worried about its loans to South East Europe. In the end, it is
like betting on a horse: you have to look at the jockey before you bet on
the horse, Wolfensohn said. "And we believe the jockeys there are good."
Forum participants stressed the vital connection between economic
stability and a lasting peace. It was about furthering social progress and
the state of law on the basis of good economic development, Bavaria's
economic minister Otto Wiesheu said. "The countries want to leave negative relationships behind." Now it is about closer regional cooperation, he said. Bavaria is in close contact with all South East European
governments, a strategy that has proven to be beneficial: Since 1993,
Bavaria's exports to the region have tripled, reaching 1.8 billion euros.
At the same time, imports from South East Europe have doubled to 1.9
billion euros. The German development ministry meanwhile wants to
strengthen the region's entrepreneurship, for instance through small and medium enterprises. Building an economic framework could attract new
investors to the region. This and the creation of democratic structures
will secure the peace in the Balkans, Wieczorek-Zeul said.
World Bank President James Wolfensohn warned once more not to forget the
youth. With over 40 percent unemployment in some countries, there are not many prospects for young people. "We have to think about how to take responsibility for the future of young people," he said. Studies and
education will be crucial for a peaceful development. This is also an
opportunity for Bavaria's long-distance learning programs, the Bavarian daily writes.
Reuters notes German Minister Wieczorek-Zeul explained that the first
phase of the Stability Pact for South East Europe ended in 2003. The
countries were offered economic and logistical aid in return for reforms.
It is however still unclear what kind of aid the countries can expect
following the end of the Pact. Wieczorek-Zeul only said that Germany and the US had pledged more aid. Wolfensohn said the region's governments were very committed.
Ddp (Germany) notes the full day conference, themed "Responsible Growth
for South East Europe," saw about 550 people attending the various
sessions and seminar, including many members of government from the
region. High-ranking experts explained and debated in seminars the
region's most pressing issues, including governance, transport and energy infrastructure, and private sector development.
Source: The World Bank |
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