EAC, Europe have a lot in common

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) receives an honorary doctorate from University of Nanjing President Chen Jun at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in Beijing on June 12, 2016. The process of reconciliation between Germany and Poland began as early as 1965, with a letter of reconciliation by Polish Catholic bishops to their German counterparts. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • In the past, relations between the Polish and German nations were often difficult and marred by conflict.
  • The connectivity between Europe’s countries is much higher now than it ever was in the past. Common interests and common institutions reduce the potential for conflict.
  • Since 1991, 2.5 million young people have participated in exchange programmes organised by the German-Polish Youth Office.

On June 17, Germany and Poland celebrate the 25th anniversary of the German-Polish Treaty on Good Neighbourly and Friendly Relations.

In the past, relations between the Polish and German nations were often difficult and marred by conflict.

The worst episode started with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939, with loss of life and destruction that continued until 1945.

The process of reconciliation between Germany and Poland began as early as 1965, with a letter of reconciliation by Polish Catholic bishops to their German counterparts.

This was the beginning of a long process. Crucial for its success was Germany’s willingness to acknowledge the crimes committed against the Polish people and the unequivocal acceptance of responsibility for the suffering caused during the Second World War.

Today, Germany and Poland are friends and partners in the European Union.

The example of German-Polish relations is relevant for the East African region because it demonstrates that enmity and rivalry can be overcome and replaced by a mutually beneficial relationship grounded in shared values, characterised by equality and respect for one another, and strengthened by economic cooperation and cultural exchange.

There are three outstanding benefits that regional integration can bring about: First, it is an important building block in deterring violent conflicts between nations.

There has not been a war between members of the European Union since it was created.

Instead, the focus has been on creating a single market based on economic freedom and effective common political institutions to deal with issues that concern all members.

The connectivity between Europe’s countries is much higher now than it ever was in the past. Common interests and common institutions reduce the potential for conflict.

In East Africa we already see the potential that exists in regional organisations.

It is they that are increasingly becoming the most important actors in attempts to resolve conflicts, be it in Sudan, Burundi, or Somalia.

Secondly, regional integration implies the lowering of barriers to trade. Arguably, there is no regional integration without this economic component.

Trade between members has been the single most important factor contributing to the creation of jobs and increasing the standards of living both in the EU and the EAC. 

INTEGRATION BENEFITS
Thirdly, education and cultural exchange have the potential to enhance regional integration for the benefit of all members.

Cultural differences between and within states will always exist. These differences, however, should not be regarded as sources of conflict, but as sources of diversity, beauty, and inspiration.

Diversity enriches us. Germany and Poland had to deal with the challenges not only of cultural and historical differences, but also of religious and language barriers.

Since 1991, 2.5 million young people have participated in exchange programmes organised by the German-Polish Youth Office.

The member states of the East African Community certainly have the potential to do the same.

They can build on foundations that already exist, further increase academic exchange, and thereby reinforce mutual understanding.

Finally is cross-border cooperation. Almost immediately following the political transformations of the early 1990s, German-Polish cross-border cooperation started, aiming at an equitable and balanced development of the cross-border areas by strengthening the links between citizens, businesses, and institutions.

The development and the economic competitiveness of the border territory is implemented through improvement of infrastructure and the environment, as well as fostering economic links, bringing together the scientific community, and supporting SMEs in cross-border marketing actions.

Sharing cross-border infrastructure is one of the basic steps of integration and contributes to the improvement of the business environment.

The common border custom facilities among the EAC countries are the way to go.

The essence of the German-Polish experience holds true for East Africa as well: within regional organisations there are often different interests.

These differences are legitimate and must be respected. However, former rivals, even enemies, can overcome their differences and create a close partnership based on mutual understanding and trust.

Partnership and integration are the best foundations for mutual cooperation. In the long run, no country benefits from unilaterally imposing its will on its neighbours — or any other state for that matter.

Cooperation based on trust is always the better option.

Mrs Frasch is the German Ambassador to Kenya. Mr Wolski is the chargé d’affaires at the Polish embassy in Nairobi.