New Berlin Walls

The first day of the 21st Economic Forum in Krynica left a contradictory impression. On the one hand, the event is perfectly organized and the participants are impressive. The opening ceremony was outstanding. The prime minister of Poland spoke without a written speech in hands. On the other hand, the content of the panel on the struggle against corruption was indistinct. The discussion wasn’t effective, notwithstanding representatives of various countries, the high level of participants and other advantages. The experiences in this sphere of each EU country, including Georgia, is interesting, but it doesn’t establish new models which could be implemented in reality, only in theory.

Mikhail Saakashvili stole the show, of course. The prime minister of Moldova, Vlad Filat, tried to go with the Georgian leader, but he failed, as Filat lacks gravitas and competence in English. Saakashvili said nothing new. However, both the Georgian and Moldovan politicians felt ill at ease. North Stream? Hardly…

A more obvious fact is that the EU lacks the resources for development of partnership programmes with the most successful pupils in the sphere of democracy and market reforms. The two best pupils came, only Yushchenko was absent, but he promised to arrive tomorrow.

The prime minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, was pleased to hear positive appraisals of his country. To be frank, in the current EU format Poland is developing more successfully than some old European states. However, the current problems can only be solved together. Tusk is sure that agreement in the common European home will continue. Many experts doubted this.

Saakashvili didn’t touch on the Russian theme this time. However, when it was necessary to boost effect, the Kremlin’s dark shadow was falling on the full hall. The image of Russia has changed, according to the Georgian president. It is now like a Wicked Witch from a fairytale, and the only last step to do is to take away its monopoly rights tp provide gas and oil to Europe.

Of course, we could simply admit the fact that fear means respect. However, it is not so. New Berlin Walls are being built in the minds and hearts of the European elite. We hope that the aim of the forum is preventing such builders from their work. Isn’t it better together with a Russian place in Europe, rather than in place of Russia?

Aleksei Vlasov, Moscow-Krynica. Exclusively to VK.