NATO Romania

POLICY RECOMMANDATIONS
For Central-East European States:

• The CEE states need to forge a political consensus with regard to their policies toward their East European neighbors.

This needs to involve a common strategy working within the EU and NATO and developing multilateral links with all the East European countries. CEE capitals need to support each other in all EU institutions in devising and pursuing policies of engagement with the East Europeans and policies of realism toward Russia. Close coordination in eastern policy would need to be conducted at the ministerial level.
• Local governments in CEE regions bordering the eastern states should enhance their cross-border programs, based on the principles of assistance for democracy, civil society, and market economies, including support for business development, market access, and authentic civic cooperation. These programs should be closer in line with the foreign policies of CEE governments rather than being subordinate to formal European Commission procedures and guidelines. (1)

• Ukraine can be included as an active observer in the Central European Visegrád group that includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, and be offered the prospect of involvement in the Weimar Triangle initiative that includes Poland, Germany, and France.
• Having entered the EU in 2007, Romania can enhance its assistance for Moldova’s EU ambitions by sharing broadcast media and publications, opening cultural and information centers, and promulgating debate about the requirements and benefits of Union entry.
• The countries canvassing for NATO and EU entry—particularly Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia—will need to formally leave the CIS and disentangle themselves from other organizations and initiatives dominated by Russia. These organizations retard each country’s progress toward Western institutions and ultimately threaten their state sovereignty and national independence.