Enlargement: Athens Summit: signing of the Accession Treaty overshadowed by Iraq crisis, April 2003

'We the representatives of the citizens and States of the European Union meet today on this symbolic site, under the Acropolis, to celebrate an historic event: The signing of the Accession Treaty for Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia.

Our achievement is unique. This Union represents our common determination to put an end to centuries of conflict and to transcend former divisions on our continent. This Union represents our will to embark on a new future based on cooperation, respect for diversity and mutual understanding.'

Thus reads the opening paragraphs of the Athens Declaration, issued at an informal meeting of the European Council in the city on 16-17 March 2003.

Greek Prime Minister and President of the European Council, Costas Simitis, spoke of 16 April 2003 as an historic day:

• 'Because we are overcoming the division of European countries into two opposing camps, Eastern and Western Europe, a division caused by the Second World War.

• Because almost all the countries of Europe are now participating in the European Union.

• Because this unified whole is inspired by the principles and values which inspired the struggles of our societies for freedom, democracy and social justice.

• Because today it is once again affirmed that cooperation and solidarity among us has created a political and economic area with an important role in developments in the global community, an area which attracts and inspires, an area that is respected and heeded.'

European Commission President Romano Prodi spoke in a similar vein:

'Today we can be rightly proud of what Europe has achieved since the first Treaty on coal and steel was signed: decades of peace, cooperation and friendship between our peoples, shared prosperity, an ever closer union among our countries, and the primacy of our values - democracy, the rule of law, respect for minorities, tolerance and solidarity.

We were once six nations just recovering from the destruction of the war. Today we are 25 free, strong nations. And tomorrow there will probably be even more of us, in a Union of free, peace-loving States and peoples.'

Whilst the Summit should have been an occasion for unbridled celebration as leaders of 10 countries put their name to the Accession Treaty, enabling them to join the European Union in May 2004, recent disagreements over the war in Iraq have soured relations between the Union's Member States and Summit participants struggled to present a united front. Celebrations were also marred by anti-war protests, with petrol bombs being thrown, property damaged and people injured.

There were concerns over the respective roles of the United Nations and United States in the post-war 'reconstruction' of Iraq. France and Germany reportedly called for the UN to have a political as well as humanitarian role - something which would appear to be at odds with the United States' view of how a post-war administration should be established.

Leaders did issue a statement on Iraq, and the Athens Declaration also referred to the Union's role in the world:

'We are committed to facing up to our global responsibilities, we will support conflict prevention, promote justice, help secure peace and defend global stability. We are determined to work at all levels to tackle global terrorism and stem the weapons of mass destruction. To this end, the Union will continue to enhance its civilian and military capabilities to enhance stability beyond its borders and further its humanitarian goals. The Union pledges its support to the United Nations and its efforts to assure international legitimacy and global responsibility.'

France and Germany, along with the UK, were thought to be trying to build bridges and focus on achieving a positive outcome for the Union vis-à-vis Iraq. The FT reported that President Chirac did, however, warn the Acceding Countries that 'their first loyalties in future should lie in Europe and not with the US.' That view might not necessarily be shared by all 10 countries concerned: in an interview for the Greek Presidency website, the Hungarian Foreign Minister, László Kovács, said that 'for Hungary more Europe doesn't mean less America.'

The other main agenda items were reform of the Union's institutions and the proposed EU Constitution. The President of the European Convention on the Future of Europe, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, confirmed that a draft European Constitution will be submitted to the June 2003 Thessaloniki European Council - despite rumours that the Convention had been seeking an extension of the deadline.

The Convention was the focus of the traditional speech made to the Council by the President of the European Parliament. Pat Cox took the opportunity to review progress and assert Parliament's position on some key issues.

Links:

Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU:
	Homepage
	16.04.03:	Speech by Prime Minister and President of the European Council C.Simitis at the Accession Treaty signing ceremony, 16/4/2003
	16.04.03:	Informal European Council: Athens Declaration, April 16th, 2003
	16.04.03:	Informal European Council: Presidency Press Conference, 16/4/2003
	17.04.03:	Presidency's Statement on Iraq, Athens 16/4/2003
	15.04.03:	Exclusive interview of the Hungarian Foreign Minister László Kovács to www.eu2003.gr, on the occasion of the Signing of the Accession Treaty
European Commission:
	Athens Informal European Council
	Romano Prodi: Signing the Treaty of Accession [SPEECH/03/203]
European Parliament:
	President's homepage
	16.04.03:	Address by Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament to the Informal European Council
BBC News Online:
	16.04.03:	Clashes mar EU summit
	17.0.03:	EU seeks common ground on Iraq
European Sources Online: Financial Times:

Eric Davies
Researcher
Compiled: Thursday, 17 April 2003

The signing of the Accession Treaty with ten candidate countries took place in Athens on 16 April 2003 but the event was overshadowed by divisions between EU leaders over the war against Iraq.