Poland and the "Russo-German Axis"

In the light of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Germany (they will probably take place on September 18), and a possible change of German government,Vremya novostey’s political correspondent Yuri Shpakov interviewed Wolfgang Schäuble, since October 2002 deputy leader of the CDU/CSU Bundestag faction and spokesman on foreign policy, security and European integration. The interview contained some interesting moments, particularly in relation to a possible realignment of German policy towards Russia and Eastern Europe, as the following excerpt makes clear:

The German chancellor is jokingly called "the long arm of Moscow" when he lobbies the interests of Russia in the EU or the G8. Can Moscow count on retaining its status as the privileged partner of Germany?

Chancellor Schroeder would object to being called "the long arm of Moscow". However, Germany, in the person of federal chancellors - former, present and future – has indeed spoken and speaks in favour of the support of the valid interests of Russia in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. And this is especially important for the good relations of Russia with Europe and the effective partnership of Russia with NATO. Nevertheless, the CDU/CSU has always criticized Schroeder for the fact that his policy has been based on "special relations". At any rate, it’s possible to interpret it that way. In the longer term, this is not in Russia’s interests - Russia is interested in good relations with the EU as a whole. This is also true of the transatlantic partnership. Special relations between Russia and Germany and new "axes" don’t help anyone, they don’t improve the situation as a whole and they narrow the field for collaboration. After a change of government, the relations between Germany and Russia will take a different shape. And then, for example, our Polish neighbours will no longer fear that the relations between Germany and Russia are being built over their heads.


Why must Poland be more involved in bilateral German-Russian relations?

Our conception of Germany’s foreign policy is based on integration, and in this sense the CDU/CSU is an advocate of good relations with Russia within the EU. If we give other countries of the European Union reason to believe that Russia and Germany are connected by "special relations" which allow them to ignore their partners, then the field of constructive mutual links between the EU and Russia will not be enlarged, but reduced. Therefore the involvement of Poland in our bilateral relations is the correct way. At one time I proposed that Poland should take part in the summits of the "triumvirate" of Chirac, Schroeder and Putin. Where intergovernmental affairs are concerned, there must not be even the shadow of distrust.

[my tr.]
(via Marius)