New democracies and Euro-Atlantic security
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A Summit on the Contribution of New Democracies to Euro-Atlantic Security was held in the Bulgarian capital Sofia from 4 to 5 October. Representatives from the "Vilnius Group" discussed new threats to global security following the terrorist attacks against the United States. The Vilnius Group includes Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia¹ - all of which are actively seeking membership of NATO, except for Croatia.
Lord Robertson gave the opening speech at the Summit in which he stressed that "the terrorist attacks have neither derailed the enlargement process, nor slammed NATO's door shut". He added nonetheless that "aspirant countries must meet NATO's political and military standards before they can join the Alliance".
While he was in Sofia, Lord Robertson also met with the President of Bulgaria, Peter Stoyanov, Prime Minister Simeon of Saxe-Coburg Gotha, as well as with the Heads of State of the Vilnius Group.
- Turkey recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.