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1994-05-02
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<text>
<title>
Germany's Political, Economic Role In Baltics
</title>
<article>
<hdr>
Foreign Broadcast Information Service, September 2, 1992
Baltics: Germany's Political, Economic Role in Baltics Viewed
</hdr>
<body>
<p>[Article by Bronius Kuzmickas, deputy chairman of the
Lithuanian Parliament: "The Baltic Region Countries and
Germany." Vilnius LITHUANIAN WEEKLY in English 31 Jul-6 Aug 92
pp 1,3]
</p>
<p> [Text] Regional cooperation between the Baltic sea-coast
countries was initiated by the Scandinavian states which were
among the first Western countries to have fully realized the
strategic consequences of the collapse of Communism. Later,
Germany also joined the process of developing cooperation in
the Baltic region, attempting to avail itself of the political
and economic changes in Eastern and Middle Europe and
influencing the situation itself. The newly independent states
of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and post-Communist Poland and
Russia make up the passive side of emerging union in the Baltic
region. In their efforts to overcome economic and social
decline, these countries expect to receive assistance from
western and northern neighbors.
</p>
<p> The two largest states on the Baltic seacoast, Russia and
Germany, have found themselves in different zones of interest.
There is no doubt that both countries will soon become the most
influential in the region, especially if they get on with each
other and assume the role of identical leaders. Judging by the
speeches delivered at various diplomatic meetings and
conferences on Baltic problems, the situation seems to be
developing toward this direction. The German representatives do
not object to statements made by the Russian side, most often
supporting them directly or indirectly. But it is evident enough
that the German benevolence stems from its concern over the
withdrawal of the Russian troops from Germany. Consequently, the
German policy of goodwill might be a reaction to the present
state of events and circumstances. The Germans are very good at
being patient in attaining their goal and not making
far-reaching statements at the wrong time.
</p>
<p> It is not clear yet how Russia understands her role in the
Baltic region. Even the progressive-minded politicians from St.
Petersburg are inclined to discuss Baltic cooperation in an
abstract way, making frequent references to the "European home"
and "global matters" instead of submitting constructive
proposals. Sometimes, relics of the past expansionistic
reasoning poke out in their speeches but these implications are
completely groundless and easily refutable. There is no doubt
that St. Petersburg has great prospects in the Baltic region,
but they depend on the future political orientation of Russia.
</p>
<p> Meanwhile, Germany is becoming ever more active and its
political and economic vitality is well-grounded from both
strategic and pragmatic points of view. Germany is usually
represented by four or five delegations from
Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg and Vorpommern, Lower Saxony,
and the cities of Hamburg and Bremen.
</p>
<p> The on-the-rise German activity in the Baltic region is a
manifestation of the country's increasing role in the whole of
Europe. Due to its economic and financial might, geographical
position, and historical and cultural ties, Germany is emerging
as the most influential Western European state in Middle and
Eastern Europe. At the same time, Middle and Southeastern
European countries (some of them had been German allies during
WW II) are seeking close cooperation links with Germany. The
Ukraine and Belarus are also willing to maintain friendly
relations with Germany as a strategic counterbalance in the
West.
</p>
<p> On the other hand, Germany is one of the most active
propagators of an EC-based European integration. Gerd Walter,
Minister for Federal and European Affairs of
Schleswig-Holstein, maintains that cooperation and integration
is a direct response to nationalistic tendencies looming in some
parts of Europe and to the concern of neighboring states over
a positive response to the challenge put up by Southeastern Asia
to Europe. The course toward cooperation and integration is the
only way to overcome difficulties in post-Communist countries
and the only proper policy which should be adopted by Europe.
</p>
<p> The traditional self-dependency of the German territorial
unit--the Lander--is helpful to the policy of integration.
It is the Lander, and not Germany, which is currently becoming
the subject of direct international cooperation. It is namely
the Lander that expands relations with the border regions of
neighboring states. This kind of strategy is called
"cooperation across borders" (uber die Grenze hinweg) and it is
shaping a new outlook and way of action in Europe. The German
spirit is spreading across Europe in a pragmatic and, therefore,
non-violent manner. The borderlines are crossed by German
companies and organizations and not by the German state.
</p>
<p> Schleswig-Holstein, with a population of 2.5 million, is
very active in expanding cooperation with the Baltic region
countries. The Lander's excellent geographical position
in-between the Northern and Baltic seas, its three large port
cities of Kiel, Lubeck and Flensburg on the Baltic seacoast, the
nearby location of Hamburg, and other factors have predetermined
a rapid development of Schleswig-Holstein. The Lander's
authorities are mostly interested in maintaining close ties with
the Scandinavian countries. Next on their list of cooperation
priorities come the southwest Baltic cities of Gdansk in Poland
and Kaliningrad in Russia. It seems that Germany is favorably
disposed toward good-neighborly relations between both parts
of former Prussia--currently Polish and Russian--which are
being further strengthened by German investments. The prospects
for integration of both areas and their subsequent restoration
into a Prussian region are becoming obvious.
</p>
<p> In its contacts with the Baltic states, Schleswig-Holstein
has established the closest ties with Estonia, then comes
Latvia, and Lithuania ranks third.
</p>
<p> Until now, cooperation between Lithuania and Schleswig-
Holstein has been reduced to the level of exchanging official
visits to top-ranking state and government figures on festive
occasions. However, navigational contacts are being established
by the port cities of Klaipeda and Lubeck. In October of this
year, an exhibition of medical equipment manufactured in
Schleswig-Holstein will be staged at Vilnius University.
</p>
<p> Sometimes doubts are voiced whether Lithuania's
participation in the Baltic cooperation is the best-chosen road
toward integration into Western Europe. Are contacts with
northern Germany really that important for Lithuania?
Traditionally, Lithuania has always been more closely linked to
Middle European than Nordic countries. We should realize, at
this point, that Middle Europe--Poland, Hungary, Czechia and
Slovakia--are returning to the European home via Northern
Germany. Therefore, Lithuania will inevitably run into the
German state, no matter which direction it chooses.
</p>
<p> Representatives of the Scandinavian states have remarked on
several occasions that the Nordic countries give cooperation
priorities to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Meanwhile,
officials from Schleswig-Holstein stress that they pursue the
single aim of establishing beneficial contacts and do not single
out any of the countries of the Baltic region. We should
appreciate this disarming frankness and put forward only
clear-cut and concrete proposals. If Lithuania is not active
enough in its approach toward inter-state cooperation, we may
soon find ourselves to be on the outskirts of the Baltic
economic region.
</p>
</body>
</article>
</text>