European Commission
Štefan Füle

Reply to the petition of 'Free Belarus Now' on human rights violations in Belarus [19 KB]

The European Union closely follows the situation in Belarus and fully shares the concerns expressed in your petition as regards the human rights situation in Belarus. The EU has on numerous occasions expressed its grave concern regarding the lack of respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles...

Customs Legislation Closer to EU Standards [192 KB]

Customs legislation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is well aligned with the body of EU law. But further measures are necessary. That is why, with the help of EU experts, the Macedonian customs legislation and procedures were assessed, and evaluated against the requirements of EU law.

"Garden of Serbia" - Helping Serbia's Agriculture Sector [662 KB]

Even though it is one of the oldest industries in Serbia, agricultural production still faces several weaknesses and gaps in its value chain. Producers are constantly facing new requirements for food safety and quality standards in the processing sector yet there is a lack of demonstration centres for training and support for new initiatives.

Setting Up a National Food Reference Laboratory [349 KB]

Designation of National Reference Laboratories is one of the requirements of EU legislation on official food and feed controls. In Turkey there was a need for a National Reference Laboratory to provide a higher quality food safety system and guidance for alignment with the relevant standards. The project was launched in 2005 to fill this gap and meet EU accession requirements.

EU Provides Vessels for the Border Police [73 KB]

For many years Albania has struggled to police effectively its maritime borders. Illicit trafficking has constituted a security threat to Albania and to its neighbours. The Albanian capacity to patrol its maritime borders remains a major concern, although the government’s efforts together with a strong international presence at sea, have had a positive impact.

Helping the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina adapt to EU Banking Standards [489 KB]

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Central Bank (CBBH) has contributed to the country’s post-war recovery. It has made significant progress towards introducing administrative and policy mechanisms that will allow it to participate fully in the European System of Central Banks when Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes an EU member.

Ears Wide Open – EU Promotes Inclusion of People with Disabilities [379 KB]

There are around 430,000 people with disabilities in Croatia, 9.7% of the total population. The Ears Wide Open project was designed to improve working conditions, communication and integration of students with hearing and other disabilities, both in schools and later in workplaces.

“Let me tell you a secret about the environment” [132 KB]

Teaching children about the environment is vital for the future. That is why the EU, together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, organised a project around a play based on the brochure
"Let me tell you a secret about the environment".

Efficient Energy Use in Public Buildings [580 KB]

Kosovo faces a big challenge in the field of energy efficiency due to low levels of energy production and high levels of energy consumption. The EU funded a project to invest in energy-saving measures in public buildings, which brought
environmental and economic benefits.

Modernising Quality Infrastructure [153 KB]

Montenegro's preparations for European Union accession in the area of free movement of goods are moderately advanced. The country needs to build up its institutional and administrative capacity, enhance cooperation between State institutions and align its legal framework with EU legislation.