Brussels   —  The presentation of the 2007 Enlargement Package by Commissioner Rehn confirmed that the Enlargement perspective for the Western Balkan countries is consolidated.  With his announcement that the Stabilisation and Association agreement with Serbia will be initialled today, Commissioner Rehn has set a most visible sign that the EU remains committed to pushing ahead on this process.

Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek welcomed the reports, noting "the importance of reaffirming the commitment of the European Union to the promise of future EU membership of the Western Balkans".  "A critical assessment of where the individual countries stand in their reform processes is crucial as it provides guidance and support for the reform path that must be followed."

Regional co-operation and good-neighbourly relations where highlighted in the Enlargement Package as key for the processes.  Special Co-ordinator Busek welcomed the commitment of the European Commission to support the successor organisation of the Stability Pact, the Regional Co-operation Council, in facilitating regional co-operation in the future, noting the lead role that the Western Balkan countries will have in managing this organisation.

For further information, please contact Stability Pact's Spokesperson
Mr Georgi Gotev at the SP Secretariat in Brussels
(Tel: +32 2 401 87 25 or press@stabilitypact.org).
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PR2007/025