Press Releases

Updated: 09/12/2004

11 March 2002,  Brussels (back to news list) Stability Pact Policy Outline 2002 presented to EU-General Affairs Council by Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek Stability Pact Policy Outline 2002 presented to EU-General Affairs Council by Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek Thanks to well co-ordinated efforts, also of my predecessor Bodo Hombach, the Stability Pact is by now a mature initiative. Its founding principle and its basic cornerstone namely support by the international community in exchange for reforms and regional co-operation, is the correct line to follow, to which there is no alternative. In this, two elements remain key: To maintain the perspective of European and Euro-Atlantic integration for SEE countries To maintain the continued support of the international community as clearly demonstrated in two Regional Conferences held since the Sarajevo Summit in 1999. Important especially now, when world attention has shifted elsewhere. Three focal points in order to transform this political design into reality on the ground: With regard to maintaining the perspective of Euro/Euro-Atlantic integration, the Stability Pact’s activities will focus on achieving complementarity with the EU accession (Bulgaria, Romania) and SAP process (Albania, BiH, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, FR Yugoslavia). According to its mandate, the Pact will in this concentrate on cross-border and regional issues. Priority activities of the Pact in 2002 Trade and investment: implement the Memorandum on Trade in view of completing the network of 21 bilateral Free Trade Agreements by the end of 2002. Remove obstacles to private investment and improve overall investment climate by means of Stability Pact Investment Compact. Infrastructure (including energy): timely implementation of infrastructure projects as agreed at two SP Regional conferences, including removing obstacles to their implementation. Regional energy co-operation will be strengthened particularly in the field of electricity and with a view to reaching commitment within SEECP to bring about a regional energy concept. Refugee issues: provide sustainable solutions for at least 100,000 refugees and Displaced Persons by increasing the level of return and integration assistance and credits for self assistance, providing employment opportunities, accelerating the repossession of properties (both private and tenancy right holders) Focus will be on employment and housing, thereby decreasing the number of beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance (200,000 housing units needed in the next 3-4 years). Particular attention shall be given to resolving outstanding regional issues concerning pension payments, social rights, private property and tenancy rights. Cross-border co-operation: start up an informal sub-regional dialogue and co-operation process between representatives from the FRY (Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro), Albania and Macedonia on functional cross-border issues (energy, infrastructure, border management) in co-operation with UNMIK and EU representatives. Small Arms and Light Weapons: establish “Regional Clearinghouse” in Belgrade April 2002 under UNDP auspices. We expect this initiative to develop and implement projects aimed at reducing the excess supply and illicit trafficking of arms throughout the region. Organised crime: establish a SP Fighting Organised Crime executive secretariat at the SECI Transborder Crime Center in Bucharest to be operational in the region. The Center will strengthen co-operation between the regional crime centre, Europol and Interpol. Regional Ownership of the SP: While the Pact is entering its adolescent second phase, it is instrumental to associate the countries of SEE closer to the decision making process. I therefore propose to SEECP to agree on a formalised regional representation within the Stability Pact Office. I invite SEECP, especially the upcoming chair FR Yugoslavia, to strengthen and enhance its structures and to act as a co-ordinated regional voice and a forum for regional co-operation. Full text of Special Co-ordinator's presentation at the GAC