Τhe Thessaloniki agenda for the Western Balkans

General Affairs & External Relations Council (GAERC)
Extracts from successive General Affairs & External Relations Councils

16 June 2003: Western Balkans - Council Conclusions

Annex A

Τhe Thessaloniki agenda for the Western Balkans:

Moving towards European integration

The Copenhagen European Council in December 2002 confirmed the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans, as potential candidates, and underlined its determination to support their efforts to move closer to the European Union. The European Council in March 2003 reiterated that the future of the Western Balkans is within the European Union and pledged the Union’s full support to the endeavours of the countries of the region to consolidate democracy, stability and to promote economic development.

The Western Balkans and support to their preparation for future integration into European structures and ultimate membership into the Union is a high priority for the EU. The Balkans will be an integral part of a unified Europe. The ongoing enlargement and the signature of the Treaty of Athens in April 2003 should inspire and encourage the countries of the Western Balkans to follow the same successful road of reforms and to increase their efforts in that direction.

During the last four years, the European Union’s policy of Stabilisation and Association has contributed critically to progress achieved throughout the region in promoting stability and in bringing the countries closer to the Union. It now needs to be strengthened and enriched with elements from the enlargement process, so that it can better meet the new challenges, as the countries move from stabilisation and reconstruction to sustainable development, association and integration into European structures. The Union’s thus enriched policy of Stabilisation and Association, including the Stabilisation and Association Agreements, will constitute the overall framework for the European course of the Western Balkan countries, all the way to their future accession.

The EU recalls the Commission’s second annual SAP report, which reflects accurately both progress achieved and remaining problems, as well as challenges ahead for each of the Western Balkan countries. Its recommendations, fully endorsed by the Council, should guide the efforts of the countries for further reforms.

The EU stresses that the pace of further movement of the Western Balkan countries towards the EU lies in their own hands and will depend on each country’s performance in implementing reforms, thus respecting the criteria set by the Copenhagen European Council of 1993 ⁽²⁾ and the SAP conditionality. In this context, the EU also recalls the content of the Zagreb Summit Final Declaration of November 2000.The principles of "own merits" and "catch up" will be applied, in parallel with the regional approach, which remains an essential element of EU policy towards the region.

Further consolidating peace and promoting stability and democratic development

Having in mind the considerable progress achieved in the last two years, but also its fragility and unevenness, the EU will continue to work closely with the Western Balkan countries to further consolidate peace and to promote stability, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human and minority rights. Inviolability of international borders, peaceful resolution of conflicts and regional co-operation are principles of the highest importance. Terrorism, violence and extremism, be it ethnically, politically or criminally motivated, should be unequivocally condemned.

The EU reiterates its support for the full implementation of Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council on Kosovo and of the ‘standards before status’ policy. On this basis, the people of a multiethnic and a democratic Kosovo will have their place in Europe. The Dayton / Paris agreements and subsequent Peace Implementation Council decisions, and the Ohrid and Belgrade agreements, are key elements of EU policy. Full compliance by all countries and parties concerned is essential.

Recalling that all Western Balkan countries are parties to the International Criminal Court, the EU urges them to support, fully and in deed, its work and the integrity of its statute, in line with the relevant EU decisions.

The EU urges all concerned countries and parties to co-operate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Recalling that respect for international law is an essential element of the SAP, the EU reiterates that full co-operation with ICTY, in particular with regard to the transfer to The Hague of all indictees and full access to documents and witnesses, is vital for further movement towards the EU.

The EU supports activities and initiatives in the Western Balkan countries promoting social cohesion, ethnic and religious tolerance, multiculturalism, return of refugees and internally displaced persons and combating regressive nationalism. Ensuring civilian control over the military is a critical element of democratic reform. Legislative and administrative reforms on arms sales compatible with the «European code of conduct» should be promoted.

Support to activities aiming at defending women’s rights and improving their situation should be better reflected in EU policies towards the region. Involvement of non-governmental organisations, civil society and local authorities in EU supported policies and activities is of paramount importance.

The launching of the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in January 2003, and of Operation Concordia in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as the EU’s willingness to lead a military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina following SFOR, are tangible proof of the Union’s commitment to the Western Balkans.

While the EU is deepening its engagement in Southeast Europe, continued US involvement is necessary. Close co-ordination with the US on Balkan issues is a high priority for the EU. The Balkans will continue to be on the agenda of the EU dialogue with Russia, as well as with other relevant countries, in recognition of the importance of stability in the region. Continued co-operation with the UN, NATO, OSCE, Council of Europe and other international organisations operating in the area, is essential.

Progress of Western Balkan countries towards the EU within an enriched Stabilisation and Association Process

Recent progress achieved by the countries of the Western Balkans allowed for further movement towards the Union through the SAP. The continuation of the ratification procedure of the SAAs with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Croatia, the opening and progress of negotiations for a SAA with Albania, the launching by the Commission of a feasibility study for a SAA with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the adoption in Serbia and Montenegro of the Constitutional Charter and the presentation of the Internal Market and Trade Action Plan, on which the Commission will work energetically with the authorities to solve some still outstanding problems with a view to a rapid launching of a Feasibility Study for that country as well, illustrate this positive trend. The Croatian application for membership is currently under examination by the Commission.

The EU’s commitment and assistance must be matched by a genuine commitment of the governments of the Western Balkan countries and concrete steps to make the necessary reforms, to establish adequate administrative capacity and to co-operate amongst themselves. Building fully functioning states capable of providing for the needs of their citizens remains a major challenge for the whole region. The fight against organised crime and corruption is essential for ensuring the rule of law. The EU expects the Western Balkan countries to pursue these objectives at an accelerated pace, thus allowing the prompt passage of each of them to the next stage of relations with the EU within the Stabilisation and Association Process.

The Council welcomes the Commission’s communication ‘The Western Balkans and European Integration’ and will take forward its conclusions and recommendations.

Promoting political dialogue and co-operation in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy

The Thessaloniki summit will launch a high-level multilateral political forum, the EU-Western Balkans Forum, between the EU and the SAP countries, in line with the GAC conclusions of 13 May 2002. As an integral part of the SAP, this will bring together periodically the heads of state or government of the region and their EU counterparts. Annual meetings of foreign ministers and ministers responsible for Justice and Home Affairs will be held as appropriate. Other ministers can also meet when appropriate. Acceding and candidate countries will be fully involved. The Council welcomed the intention of the incoming EU Italian Presidency to organise the first ministerial meetings before the end of the year.

The aim of the forum will be to give a clear signal of the privileged and inclusive relationship between the EU and the SAP countries; to enhance the political visibility of the SAP; to provide a supporting political framework for achieving the objectives of the SAP, including regional co-operation, and to deepen the understanding of the association process in the perspective of rapprochement and accession; to discuss key issues of common concern in areas such as foreign policy, and Justice and Home Affairs, to provide a genuine European framework for addressing issues with regional and international implications; and to inform and associate the SAP countries on major developments in the EU.

Annual troika EU-Western Balkans meetings at the Political Director level could be held at the margins of the UN General Assembly to discuss international issues, in particular those on the UNGA agenda.

The EU will invite, as appropriate, the SAP countries to align themselves with EU demarches, declarations and common positions on CFSP issues. Participation of SAP countries in co-ordination and briefing meetings organised by the EU for candidate and associated countries in capitals and headquarters of international organisations could also be considered, as appropriate.

Bilateral political dialogue at ministerial level between the EU on the one part, and Albania, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the other is already held on the basis of existing arrangements. It will be extended to Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in advance of the conclusion of the respective SAAs. To that end, joint declarations will be adopted between the EU and the two states.

The SAP countries may be invited by the Political and Security Committee troika, jointly or individually, to participate to informal meetings, the objectives of which would be to exchange views on security and crises management issues in the Western Balkans, as appropriate.

Parliamentary co-operation

Joint ‘Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committees’ could be established with all SAP countries, even before conclusion or entry into force of the respective SA agreements. To this end, appropriate arrangements could be agreed with the SAP countries. The European Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of the SAP countries will be encouraged to establish contacts with the Parliaments of Member States.

European Partnerships

European Partnerships will be drawn up for each SAP country, inspired by the Accession Partnerships for candidate countries, and adapted to the specificities of the SAP. These partnerships, updated as necessary, will identify priorities for action in supporting efforts to move closer to the European Union. They will serve as a checklist against which to measure progress, and to provide guidance for Community and Member State financial assistance. They will reflect the particular stage of development of each country; they will be tailored to its specific needs and will be drawn up following contacts with the countries concerned.

The countries of the region will be expected to draw up national plans for the implementation of the partnerships. Progress in implementation will be followed through the SAP structures and will be monitored in the Commission’s Annual Reports.

The Commission is invited to submit the first set of Partnerships to Council for approval with the next SAP Annual Reports, following the procedure established for the Accession Partnerships.

Enhanced support for Institution Building

The instrument of twinning will be extended to all SAP countries, taking into account their specific situations. Twinning will be financed under the CARDS programme.

SAP countries will become eligible for technical assistance by TAIEX ⁽³⁾ , including for monitoring the compatibility of national legislations of SAP countries with the community acquis. This technical assistance will be delivered through activities adapted to their specific needs and level of rapprochement to the EU.

Existing monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of commitments by SAP countries will be strengthened and streamlined.

In the framework of efforts to support the implementation of necessary reforms in the field of public administration, the Commission is invited to examine ways that would offer students from the SAP countries the opportunity to develop legal thinking and understanding of the principles that form the basis of Western democratic systems and the EU. The establishment of a regional School for Higher Education on Public Administration Reform and the establishment of a scholarship scheme could be considered.

Particular attention should be given to the provision of expertise from the new member states, in the light of their own successful transition process and preparations for EU membership.

Opening of Community Programmes

Community programmes will be opened to SAP countries along the lines established for the participation of candidate countries. On the basis of framework agreements to be signed between the Community and each of the SAP countries and providing for the opening in principle of such programmes, the Commission will gradually implement them, by deciding on the specific programmes that would be opened in each case and agreeing with the respective countries on the modalities (through the conclusion of Memoranda of Understanding).

Priority areas for the opening of Community programmes could include education and training, culture, research, energy, environment, civil society, SME support, and anti-fraud co-ordination.

SAP countries could be allowed to participate in Community agencies, in ways similar to those established for candidate countries.

The Commission is invited to submit specific proposals to these ends, including draft framework agreements for the opening of Community programmes, taking into account the needs and possibilities of each country, including financial constraints (CARDS contribution and national financing), and the necessary administrative capacity.

Enhanced Community Financial Support

Efforts by Western Balkan countries to meet requirements for rapprochement to the EU will continue to be matched by substantial EU financial support. Without prejudice to the budgetary procedures, the Council welcomes the Commission’s proposal for an increase in the CARDS budget by more than Euro 200 million over the period 2004-2006, as a clear expression of this intent and a good basis for the discussions in the oncoming budget procedures; it invites the Budgetary Authority to reflect this in its deliberations. Taking into account the overall balance of the Union's priorities, the possibility of further support, in particular by mobilising the European Investment Bank, should also be explored.

As the Western Balkan countries move closer to the EU, Community assistance will have to be adjusted accordingly. Within the framework of the discussions on the future financial perspective and without prejudice to their outcome, the Council invites the Commission to consider possible support to the region, drawing from the experience of the present enlargement process and aiming at sustainable development.

In case of special need, the EU is ready to examine, in co-ordination with international financial institutions, the possibility of granting, on an exceptional basis, further macro-financial assistance, in accordance with established practice.

Fighting organised crime. Co-operation in other Justice and Home Affairs matters

Organised crime

Organised crime and corruption are real obstacles to democratic stability, sound and accountable institutions, the rule of law, and economic development in the Western Balkans and a source of grave concern to the EU. Combating them must constitute a key priority for the governments of the region. Particular focus should be placed upon fighting all forms of trafficking, particularly of human beings, drugs and arms, as well as smuggling of goods.

Although the SAP countries have made some progress, continued efforts at all levels will be crucial to advance further in fighting organised crime. Their commitment must be sustained through effective implementation of all instruments necessary in this combat, including improved administrative and judicial capacity. Continuous political support in each country is equally essential.

In the context of the follow up of the London Conference on organised crime, the EU welcomes the submission of Records of Achievements by each of the Western Balkan countries. These records are a strong signal of the region’s commitment to take ownership in the fight against organised crime and demonstrate progress in the areas for priority action. In order to maintain the momentum achieved, the EU urges the countries of the region to define and implement further specific action-oriented measures to be pursued in the immediate future. The EU through its competent bodies stands ready to assist the region in identifying these measures.

The Council welcomes the intention of the incoming Italian Presidency to hold a meeting of Ministers dealing with JHA matters by the end of the year.

The EU expects countries of the region to commit themselves in Thessaloniki to adopt, within a specified timeframe, all necessary legislation in order to negotiate agreements with Europol. On the basis of such agreements Europol can assist with the implementation of the Action Plans adopted at the London Conference.

Regarding trafficking in human beings, the EU urges the countries of the region to act both domestically and regionally, in line with the principles of the EU and proposals contained in the Brussels Declaration of September 2002. The EU places high priority on the areas of victim assistance, training programs of competent bodies, intelligence and exchange of information, public awareness and strategy development. Co-ordination of all international actors is essential.

Co-operation in other Justice and Home Affairs issues

In order to cope effectively with illegal migration flows originating in or transiting through Western Balkans, the EU encourages co-operation between the appropriate authorities of the Western Balkan countries and the Immigration Liaison Officers (ILOs) of the EU member states, in the framework of the establishment of the ILOs Network aiming at enhancing the efficiency of the fight against illegal migration and organised crime. It also supports the conclusion and implementation of readmission agreements among the SAP countries themselves and between the SAP countries and third countries; the Commission could provide useful guidance to the SAP countries in this field. The EU will also carry forward its policy of concluding readmission agreements with all the countries of the region. The Western Balkan countries are invited to take all necessary measures to facilitate the conclusion and ensure the implementation of such agreements.

The EU is aware of the importance the peoples and governments in the Western Balkans attach to the perspective of liberalisation of the visa regime. Meanwhile, progress is dependent on these countries implementing major reforms in areas such as the strengthening of the rule of law, combating organised crime, corruption and illegal migration, and strengthening their administrative capacity in border control and security of documents. The Council welcomes the intention of the Commission to hold discussions, within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process, with each of the Western Balkan countries, regarding the requirements for how to take these issues forward in concrete terms.

The EU welcomes the Common Platform and the Way forward document adopted at the Ohrid May 2003 conference on border security and management. It calls on the countries concerned to take all the concrete and specific measures necessary for the achievement of the objectives defined in these documents.

Policies and instruments applicable to the Western Balkan countries should fully incorporate the broader JHA objectives that the EU is pursuing. The EU should also encourage the transfer of the experience of the acceding and candidate countries to their SAP neighbours.

Further use of the instrument of twinning in the area of the Justice and Home Affairs will be encouraged.

Assistance programmes related to the Justice and Home Affairs should be strengthened.

Promoting Economic Development

Economic prosperity is essential for long-term stability in the region. Although significant progress has been made in all Western Balkan countries toward macroeconomic stabilisation, the development of a modern market economy is a slow process, requiring persistent efforts over a wide front of structural reforms. The transition from centrally planned to functioning market economies requires further reform efforts in many areas, also taking into account the objectives of sustainable development.

The EU urges the countries in the region, acting in close co-operation with relevant international financial institutions, to maintain and expand the hard-won gains in macroeconomic stability, which is a pre-condition for lasting economic growth, through prudent fiscal and monetary policies; to accelerate the momentum of structural reforms, especially in the areas of tax policy and administration, mainly by promoting the principles of transparency and accountability and supporting sound management in the public sector; the financial sector should be closely supervised and the privatisation process taken forward; to promote good governance and create a business environment that promotes private economic activity and foreign investment. The EU will continue to provide assistance in this area, in co-ordination with international financial institutions.

The EU takes note of the important work accomplished by the infrastructure steering group for South-East Europe, chaired by the Commission and associating IFI’s and the Stability Pact in identifying major priority infrastructure projects in transport, energy and telecommunications in South-Eastern Europe. The Thessaloniki summit should express its support for the ongoing work within the framework of the Regional Balkans Infrastructure Study (REBIS). The drawing of an integrated regional transport strategy, consistent with the Trans-European Networks and taking into account the Pan-European Corridors (in particular Corridors V, VII, VIII and X), is a high priority. The Council invites the Commission, to liaise with the IFIs and the EIB, in order to present a report by December 2003, referring to a planning of public investment needed for the financing of the priority network for the better connection of the Western Balkans to the EU. It calls upon the Commission to take into account the Western Balkan countries in its forthcoming proposal, for the revision of the Transeuropean Transport Network Guidelines of the enlarged EU. The EU also takes note that, under the revision of the TEN Energy Guidelines, the establishment of efficient electricity connection between South-East Europe and the European Union has been agreed, as part of the priority axes.

Environmental protection is an important element of sustainable development. The EU encourages the Western Balkan countries to introduce environmental policies and strategies geared towards compliance with EU environmental law. In particular, environmental issues should be addressed across the energy sector, especially in the scope of the Kyoto protocol.

The EU supports the Commission’s proposal to hold regular economic dialogue with each SAP country.

Having in mind the importance of trade for economic development and integration, the EU will consider further measures of liberalising its trade with the Western Balkans. The Council invites the Commission

To provide to the SAP countries technical assistance and undertake other possible measures to improve their ability to take full advantage of the Autonomous Trade Measures.
To prepare the extension of the pan-European diagonal cumulation of origin to the countries of the region in a manner consistent with all relevant community policies and dependent on their administrative capacity.
To consider taking appropriate measures to allow SAP countries to participate in tenders organised under the pre-accession (Phare, ISPA, SAPARD), Tacis, and MEDA community assistance programmes.
To explore the possibility of further trade liberalisation measures in areas, which have hitherto been exempted.

Considering that an agreement governing energy trade would substantially contribute in attracting investment into this strategic sector, the Council welcomes the Commission’s initiative to propose the extension of the Internal Energy Market to the region as a whole, on a legally binding basis.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are a key source of jobs, innovation and wealth and are essential for the functioning of competitive market economies. Consequently, it is important to improve the environment in which small and medium-sized enterprises operate. At the Thessaloniki summit, Western Balkans countries should be invited to commit themselves to the principles enshrined in the European Charter for Small Enterprises, thus allowing them to share good practice with other European countries.

Economic development in the region will also be promoted by increased regional co-operation in areas such as liberalisation in trade and movement of persons, energy, development of infrastructures, water management and cross-border co-operation.

Reconciling for the Future and Enhancing Regional Co-operation

Return of refugees and internally displaced persons

The EU encourages further return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and fully supports relevant regional activities, notably MARRI (Migration, Asylum and Refugee Regional Initiative). The Council urges the countries of the region to enact and enforce anti-discrimination legislation to ensure fair and proportionate representation of minorities in employment, especially in public institutions; to provide adequate security conditions, non-discriminatory education and all other basic social services; to address remaining obstacles to return, most of which are related to repossession of property, reconstruction of destroyed property and resolution of the issue of lost tenancy/occupancy rights. In this context, the authorities of the countries of the region are invited to establish, enact and implement a satisfactory national legal framework on property issues, preferably by the end of 2003. Emphasis should be placed on monitoring the initiatives undertaken by the countries of the region in the area of return and reintegration.

Promoting reconciliation through education, social development and culture

The EU places high priority in initiatives and activities aiming at reconciling for the future, through overcoming legacies of the past, which are obstacles to normalisation and democratic development. In this respect, the role of education, social development and culture is essential in changing mentalities, promoting tolerance, ensuring ethnic and religious coexistence and shaping modern democratic societies.

In this framework and in parallel with other relevant activities in these fields, the EU invites the countries of the Western Balkans to take concrete steps to tackle the issue of restoration of cultural and religious monuments. The relevant commitments of the countries could be part of broader bilateral agreements on cultural issues. The EU also invites the countries of the region to take concrete initiatives with the objective of revising history textbooks. The possibility of convening an experts meeting to discuss the issue, tentatively by the end of 2003, could be considered.

With respect to the aforementioned issues, close and efficient co-operation and interaction should be ensured with relevant regional and international bodies, such as UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the Stability Pact and the SEECP, as well as non-governmental organisations, so as to avoid overlapping and to make the most of resources available.

Enhancing Regional Co-operation

The EU invites the Western Balkan countries to continue to develop regional co-operation, which constitutes an essential element of the Stabilisation and Association Process. The Thessaloniki summit should reiterate support for regional co-operation and, within this context, Western Balkan countries are invited to commit themselves to promote a number of specific objectives or initiatives:

Further development of regional free trade: Western Balkan countries, together with Bulgaria and Romania, commit themselves to complete the network of bilateral Free Trade Agreements, on the basis of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding by the end of the year, through necessary ratifications. They could also commit themselves to harmonise the dispositions of their FTAs, with a view of establishing a free-trade zone in full respect of WTO rules, within a specified timeframe. The Stability Pact should continue to be the framework for promoting and monitoring this activity, in close co-ordination with the Commission.
Visa-free movement in the Western Balkans: The countries of the Western Balkans could commit themselves to explore the possibility of abolishing visa requirements for travel between their countries, through bilateral agreements, also ensuring compatibility of such measures with EU requirements. This exercise could be conducted under the auspices of the Stability Pact.
Small arms collection: The EU will continue to encourage a regional approach to activities on small arms collection, including the work of the ‘South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons’ (SEESAC), operating under the auspices of the Stability Pact in co-operation with the UNDP.
Regional markets for electricity and gas: The Thessaloniki summit should express its support for the process initiated in November 2002 with the signing in Athens of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Regional Electricity Market in South-East Europe and its integration into the EU Internal Electricity Market (the ‘Athens process’). It should also express its support for the establishment of a similar process with respect to gas, on the basis of proposals by the European Commission due within 2003. The Stability Pact could continue to play a key role in this area. The EU encourages the countries of the region to adopt a legally binding South-East Europe Energy Market Agreement, by the end of this year, building on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding. This Agreement should also deal with the promotion of investment by creating a co-ordination mechanism for the energy sector financing, associating the countries of the region, the Commission, the IFI’s and the Stability Pact.
Water management: Recalling the importance of trans-boundary water management issues in the region, the positive experience from the Danube co-operation process and the Sava River Basin co-operation, and in line with the conclusions of the May 2003 informal meeting of environment ministers of the EU and South-East Europe, and the declaration adopted by the conference ‘Sustainable Development and Lasting Peace, Shared Water, Shared Future, Shared Knowledge’ in May 2003, the Thessaloniki summit should recommend the drawing up of Integrated Water Resources Management Plans for trans-boundary water bodies in the region and subsequent national plans within the framework of the EU Water Initiative – Mediterranean component.
Cross-border-co-operation: The EU supports the development of cross-border-co-operation between the SAP countries, as well as between these countries and EU members, acceding and candidate states. Ways to ensure adequate financial support to these activities should be explored. It stresses the relevance for the region of ongoing efforts to co-ordinate the various EU cross-border initiatives.
The EU also supports projects of regional significance and regional initiatives in the areas of science and technology, information and communication technology, and statistics. The EU calls for the adoption, at the forthcoming research ministers’ conference in Thessaloniki, of the EU-Balkan countries Action Plan in Science and Technology and for its implementation, which will highly contribute to the reinforcement of the Research, Technology and Development capacities of each country and of the region as a whole.
The European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the countries of the region should be encouraged to develop their contacts at regional level, including, for example, by creating a Balkan Conference of European Affairs Committees. The Conference could apply for a special status in the COSAC ⁽⁴⁾ .

The EU reconfirms its support to the Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe in its complementary role to the SAP and in its implementation of the agreed core objectives. It takes note of the Special Co-ordinator’s complementarity report and of the conclusions of the Regional Table of May 2003 in Cavtat. Within this framework, the Thessaloniki summit should invite the Stability Pact to particularly focus on the following specific tasks: further development of the regional free trade network, implementation of the MoU on REM and possible extension to gas, freedom of movement and cross-border-co-operation also on a local level and organised crime/corruption, keeping in mind the importance of all these aspects for improving conditions for investment and economic growth in the region.

The Summit should also reiterate its support to the South-East European Co-operation Process (SEECP), which is gradually becoming the voice of the region, and of other regional co-operation initiatives, such as the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the Central European Initiative. It shall encourage further co-operation between the Stability Pact and the SEECP, as well as with the Commission, within the framework of the Informal Consultative Committee (ICC). Enhanced co-operation with the SEECP could be facilitated by the establishment of a small SEECP liaison office in the Stability Pact premises in Thessaloniki.

The Stability Pact, as well as other regional co-operation initiatives are encouraged to present concrete proposals, in close co-ordination with the Commission, on how they could further promote the aforementioned ends with a view to develop fully the regional co-operation element of the SAP.

2) Stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the respect for and protection of minorities; the existence of a functioning market economy; the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union, and the ability to take on the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.

3) Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office.

4) Conférence des Organes Spécialisés en Affaires Européennes.