Carl Bildt: Future EU Borders Depend on Events in Ukraine

 “Europe is the continent of blood, the continent of wars and armies that used to alter state borders through the centuries”. Mr. Bildt believes that this epoch was over with completion of the Cold War when nations started to observe the principles of respect for  borders. According to him, “should a change in borders get attempted, blood will flow as rivers do”.

The diplomat added: “Unlawful annexation of the Crimea by Russia had violated the fundamental principle of global order. This approach once practiced by Saddam Hussein is the threat to the whole system of global security. As soon as we accept it at some point and place, we risk to witness it elsewhere. It may be Kazakhstan or the East of Asia”. 

Mr. Bildt noted: ”Instead of strengthening borders we must do whatever to see them disappearing. Herewith we deal with a complex process of European integration linked to the process of border elimination through community expansion”.

Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Sweden pointed out that current events in Ukraine are the matter of fundamental principles in future Europe: “Could we build Europe that integrates new nations and removes borders between them? Are we moving back to Europe with newly grown borders and armies trying to change these borders? Finally, should we face this kind of reality, Europe may face bloodshed again. That is why what is happening in Ukraine is so much important to all of us.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The 2-day agenda of Kyiv Security Forum offers six panels, all open to the media. Any changes to the agenda will be posted on the Forum’s web-site.

Media professionals can make use of the press center with work stations, Wi-Fi access, and live broadcast of all the panels. In addition, there is a special media corner in the conference room.

Organizers are ready to facilitate individual interviews with and comments from the Forum speakers on advance notice.

The annual international event, Kyiv Security Forum, was initiated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007. It is a platform for debates on the hottest European and Black Sea security issues. The purpose of the Forum is to enhance cooperation in the security sector between the EU and the Black Sea region, raise awareness on security developments among key players, and increasing the role of independent and non-government actors in identifying solutions to security challenges in Europe.

The event is supported by Victor Pinchuk Foundation, NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine and the Chatham House, UK.

Visit http://ksf.openukraine.org/ for more information on the project

Open Ukraine Foundation is an international charity created on Arseniy Yatseniuk’s initiative for the purpose of strengthening public diplomacy and building up Ukraine’s image globally. The Foundation achieves its goals through implementation of its key programs, e.g.: International Dialogue, Cultural Horizons, Young Leaders. The Foundation brings together a broad range of donors and individuals that care about Ukraine’s image and its future.

For additional info on the Foundation please visit: http://openukraine.org.