Organised by the Stability Pact BAC: Go to weblink of the Business Advisory Council

• Link to AGENDA

MEDIA ADVISORY

Brussels, 14 February 2006

Business Advisory Council for South Eastern Europe - First Meeting in Brussels

Date:         21 February 2006 - Brussels
Venue:     European Economic and Social Council, 99 Rue Belliard, Brussels
Contact / further information:     Stability Pact's Spokesperson Mr Dragan Barbutovski (+32 2 401-8725 or +32 498 982-984, press@stabilitypact.org)

Ms Maria Bozoudi, BAC Secretariat in Thessaloniki (Tel./Fax: +30-2310 257261-3; mobile: +30 6974 809502, e-mail:  mbozoudi@biccgr.org)

THEME OF THE MEETING

Meeting for the first time in Brussels (and outside the region), members of the Business Advisory Council of South Eastern Europe (BAC) will express their concern that the current uneasiness within the European Union about SEE enlargement might have negative effects on the political, economic and security development not only in the region but also on Europe as a whole.  On a positive note, BAC members will make a positive contribution to the broader dialogue on European perspective of SEE when they will present to the Brussels community the view of the private sector concerning the regional economic growth and welfare and how the European Union could enhance these efforts.

In particular, the BAC will present and discuss its policy proposals for SEE development, democracy and reconciliation through position papers on the following subjects:

with an emphasis on transport infrastructure development (in particular multimodality capacities), air transport facilitation (regional airline network) and energy (determination of an EU policy and answering the pressing questions of energy efficiency in SEE);

aiming at improved marketing of investment opportunities, development of local capacities, adoption and implementation of investment related legislation and regulations in line with the European acquis, equal treatment of foreign and domestic investors, resolution of land and ownership ambiguities, and radical reform of the judiciary and court systems;

though the introduction of a coherent regional market, the elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade (NTBs), the simplification of border crossing procedures, and the promotion of safe border management;

focusing on the introduction of the project management concept in public administration, improved vocational training, and the development of language and e-skills;

through implementing judiciary reforms, building capacities, and introducing control mechanisms guaranteeing transparency and the prompt identification and punishment of corrupt behaviour and practices.

PROGRAMME

09:00-10:00                “Southeast European integration: view from the private sector”

For an updated programme please visit: http://www.stabilitypact.org/pages/events/detail.asp?y=2006&p=239

PRESS CONFERENCE

The press conference will take place on Tuesday, 21 February 2006 at 14:00 in room 6-63 of the European Economic and Social Committee (99 Rue Belliard).  The press conference will be conducted in English with the following panellists:

• Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe Erhard Busek
• Chairman the of Business Advisory Council Board Aldo Fumagalli
• Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council Board Nikos Efthymiadis

ACCREDITATION

Media accreditation is handled by the European Economic and Social Council. Due to security procedures at the EESC, please send your contact details (name, media organisation, e-mail and phone) to Ms Agnieszka Nyka at the EESC (agnieszka.nyka@esc.eu.int) with a copy  to press@stabilitypact.org. For more information please contact Ms Nyka (Tel: +32.2.546.83.65).

BACKGROUND

The Business Advisory Council of South Eastern Europe (BAC) is composed of some 40 representatives of international investors and businessmen from 20 different countries (donor and SEE).  Their network, experience and expertise extend in all key economic sectors for regional development (infrastructure, agribusiness, trade, high technology, etc) while they also serve as an outreach to their respective business communities.

Through its composition and function, BAC is an integral part of the broader network for SEE development, serving an advisory role to the Stability Pact Special Co-ordinator and national governments, as well as to European Union decision and policy makers and the international donor community.

BAC holds four regular meetings per annum in various cities of Southeast Europe.  In an effort to add to the existing momentum of the European perspective of SEE, the first meeting of 2006 will be held in Brussels.

For more information (including a list of BAC members) please visit: http://www.stabilitypact.org/bac/default.asp

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PA2006/003