Documents

Informal Ministerial Meeting

Foreign Ministers of south east European and neighbouring countries met, at the presence of the Secretary General of the EU Council and High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana and representatives from the EU Presidency, Commission, OSCE, OHR and UNMIK. The meeting was chaired by Foreign minister Papandreou and Special Co-ordinator Bodo Hombach. It reviewed the progress made in attaining the Stability Pact objectives and discussed ways in which the Countries of the Region could make a stronger contribution to its activities. The main elements that emerged from the discussions are:

2. There was a general will to enhance regional co-operation and to work together on the path towards integration into the European and Euro-atlantic structures. The Stability Pact had succeeded in bringing about a greater degree of understanding, dialogue and collaboration in south eastern Europe;

3. Countries in the region are fully prepared to play a stronger role in the Stability Pact and its activities. More emphasis will be put into driving the transition to democracy and market economy and the reforms this entails. Among the areas mentioned were institution building, anti-corruption, improvement of the business and investment climate, media, trade. Environment and refugee returns are also a top priority. In all these processes, NGOs have prominent role to play;

4. Countries in the region recognise their full responsibility in ensuring the success of the Pact. In this light, they have reiterated their commitment to speed up the reform processes to create the necessary environment for economic and political development of the region. These reform processes should be monitored through the Pact in the spirit of the true partnership established by it. Ministers endorsed Bodo Hombachís proposal to review and evaluate progress on reforms jointly, also through regular meetings with national Stability Pact co-ordinators from the region;

5. Countries in the region expect to be fully supported in this effort by the international community. They have taken note with satisfaction of the results of the Regional Funding Conference and expect the projects financed by it to be speedily implemented. Countries in the region felt that an effort should be made towards more transparency and information on the financial mechanisms. Ministers noted with satisfaction the additional information provided by the Commission on the "Quick Start Package";

6. Countries in the region felt that regional initiatives and gatherings could further the Stability Pact objectives. Their activities should be co-ordinated with those of the Pact;

7. Ministers felt that the "Agenda for Stability" provides a solid basis for taking work forward. Countries in the region endorsed the document and the priorities in set. In particular, the mechanisms for an enhanced involvement of countries in the region in the management structures of the activities will allow us to get our views and priorities across and tailor activities to regional needs;

8. Ministers welcomed the French initiative for a summit dedicated to south eastern Europe.