Brussels –- The high level of activity and positive outcome regarding the European perspective of South Eastern Europe, which we have seen over the past week, will have a tremendous impact on the region’s confidence as they will realise that Europe has not forgotten its promise that the region has a clear European perspective, Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe Erhard Busek said today (18 April). 

Last week’s vote in the European Parliament has cleared the way for Romania and Bulgaria to sign the EU Treaty on 25 April, thus giving the boost to the two countries to focus solely on the implementation of commitments identified in the last phase of negotiations.  “If they take their ‘homework’ seriously, they will avoid the use of safeguard mechanism prior to the enlargement date”, Mr. Busek said.

Debate in the European Parliament on the situation in the Western Balkans and the European Commission’s decision to launch the Feasibility Study would enable Serbia and Montenegro to eventually sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.   This should be interpreted in Belgrade and Podgorica as a clear sign that full cooperation with ICTY remains a crucial pre-condition for integration of any country of the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic community. 

Mr. Busek said: “There should be no internal debate whether co-operation with the Hague Tribunal is in the nation’s interests or not.  Everybody must understand that you simply cannot negotiate justice.”

A day before his latest visit to the region, he will use this opportunity to reaffirm the European perspective to the people of Vojvodina, an autonomous province within Serbia that has demonstrated its clear European vision by being active in various cross-border projects.  Moreover, during his visit to Novi Sad Mr. Busek will visit the Sloboda (Freedom) Bridge being in the last stage of construction.  Speaking about the bridge, which has been built with assistance of the European Commission, the World Bank and the Stability Pact, Busek said: “The people of Novi Sad have had to endure using the pontoon bridge; however, with the opening of the Freedom Bridge in August, they can make a historic move to the use of an ultra-modern bridge making the pontoon bridge a sign of the past.”

The Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, launched in 1999, is the first comprehensive conflict-prevention strategy of the international community towards SEE.  More than 80 participating countries and organisations use the Stability Pact as a clearinghouse for projects that aim at fostering regional co-operation.  Moreover, the Stability Pact has a clear mandate to help countries of the region meet the EU membership criteria by initiating specific projects that aim at fostering democracy, economic development and security.