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"Integration based on the EU model:A Central Asian Union?" |
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Published by Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies
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Tuesday, 29 April 2003 |
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"Integration based on the EU model:A Central Asian Union?" ">"Integration based on the EU model:A Central Asian Union?" by Mr. Erik Forsberg, Principle Administrator, European Commission, Brussels "...So, in conclusion I would suggest that if the Central Asian countries are serious in their desires for integration, then they should look at EU's model - the European model is slow, based on a series of stages of development - taking the time to build trust. Taking the time for predictability to be established within the relationship. It does take determination and vision - in the EU, people like Robert Schumann, Jean Monet, Jacques Delors were all considered 'extremists' at some point in time, calling for integration immediately, dragging their more reluctant partners into the process. Here it is almost the reverse. Most people seem to want it, but forget that building integration, like building a house, must start with the foundations - not the roof. It's a slow process, building brick by brick, floor by floor. And, like building a house, if you take shortcuts, skipping a few bricks here and there, your house would be unstable and the first ill-wind that blows by, will knock it down."
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The Middle East