EU candidate countries stress importance of ratifying Nice treaty

The 10 candidate countries aiming to join the EU in the next enlargement, including Malta, yesterday issued a joint declaration reiterating the importance of the ratification of the Nice Treaty.

The declaration was issued at the end of a meeting of the foreign ministers of the 10 candidate countries held in Warsaw. Foreign Minister Joe Borg took part.

The declaration stated: "The successful ratification of the Treaty of Nice by all the member states is one of the elements of EU internal preparations for the admission of new members which will enable all of us to meet in the EU in 2004."

A second referendum on the issue is to be held in Ireland next month.

"We wish to reiterate the importance of the Nice Treaty for the accession process. Enlargement is a historical task. It represents an opportunity to heal the divisions in Europe of the last century, which brought such pain and suffering to so many, as well as to strengthen peace and security throughout our continent.

"We, the representatives of the future member states, see Ireland as a country that accommodated benefits stemming from EU membership with great success, and thus became a model for our countries. Ireland's experience is yet further proof that the EU project is a success story.

"We fully respect the right of the Irish people to make their own decision on the Treaty of Nice. We are strongly convinced that the Irish people are fully aware of the opportunities that the participation in the European integration process brings. We also believe that they clearly see the chances created by EU enlargement."

During the meeting the ministers also discussed a number of issues relating to the final phase of negotiations and the financial framework for enlargement.

They reaffirmed the determination of their countries to conclude accession negotiations by the end of this year with the objective of becoming member states on January 1, 2004.

The ministers said they expected the European Council in Brussels to present to the candidates a financial package which would reflect a fair balance between the rights and obligations of membership.

Dr Borg returned last night.