Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
HE Willem van Ee was appointed the Netherlands' Ambassador to Bulgaria in 2005. Prior to his arrival in Sofia he served as Deputy Head of Mission of the Dutch Embassy in Rome (2001-2005). Private secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs (1997-2001) and Senior policy advisor Strategic Policy Orientation Unit and Private Secretary to the Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1996-1998). During the 90s his work took him to Windhoek, Namibia (Charge d' Affairs in 1996), South Africa (European Election Observer in 1994) and Bucharest, Romania (Second Secretary, Netherlands Embassy 1990-1993).
Ambassador Willem van Ee answered questions of Sofia News Agency Editor-in-Chief Milena Hristova*
Q: Do you see the timely accession of Bulgaria to the European Union as the end of a success story?
A: Not at all! Surely Bulgaria is a success story, however, the best part of the success is yet to come. I am confident that Bulgaria will be able to make the best use of the opportunities EU-membership has to offer and to make the EU work for all Bulgarians in terms of quality of life and living standard.
Q: Do you expect the Dutch government to approve measures to curb jobseekers from Romania and Bulgaria after the two countries join the European Union in January? How would you justify that decision?
A: The Netherlands labour market will gradually open for Bulgarian and Romanian workers. This is in line with the accession treaty signed with Bulgaria and Romania. It also follows the same approach as was chosen for those countries that became EU-member in 2004. A transitional regime will be in force for an initial period of two years as of 1January 2007. During those two years a working permit will be given in those cases where qualified personnel cannot be found on the Dutch labour market. After the first year of this transitional regime, the Dutch government will evaluate the national and European labour situation and may decide to open the labour market further.
Q: How would you comment the proposal the rapporteur for Bulgaria Geoffrey Van Orden for a delay in the decommissioning of the nuke units, due on January 1? What was the political message that the proposal sent? Could Bulgaria benefit from it even though it was rejected?
A: It is clear what has been agreed with Bulgaria on the issue, including the compensation for the closure. It is all in the Treaty of Accession, ratified by the EU-Member States and Bulgaria itself.
Q: How can Bulgaria silence those who doubt it is ready to join the block? Where do the main risks of failure and safeguard clauses lie?
A: As the European Commission has clearly stated in its monitoring reports: Bulgaria is ready to take up the rights and obligations of EU-membership, while at the same time work is still in progress. It is crucial for a successful Bulgarian membership that the reforms in the areas of concern continue. Especially important remains the fight against organised crime and corruption. This is foremost important for the Bulgarian citizens, they deserve it.
Q: Do you think Bulgarian politicians did their best to spell out the impact of EU accession to the average Bulgarian?
A: As in every member or future member state of the European Union, it is important to communicate Europe effectively. Citizens should be informed. In order to make them aware of the possibilities, the benefits for them. It is important to mobilize the whole society to make membership work for all. Membership is like a tool box. Full of tools to improve the lives of people. It is essential to make use of these tools, these opportunities, to make a difference.
Q: Do you share the opinion that the European Union is "doomed" to continue its expansion?
A: To cope with the future, the European Union must be strong. Most of the opportunities and threats in our world can only effectively be addressed if we stick together. The globalising economy, with new economic powers, cross border issues like the environment, terrorism, organised crime, migration. New members have always strengthened the European Union. And Bulgaria will do the same.
*Sofia News Agency has approached ambassadors of EU member states to share their views and expectations on the eve of Bulgaria's accession to the union
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