EU-NATO concerted approach to the Western Balkan 5 pages, pdf  Download Back

EU-NATO concerted approach to the Western Balkan

Volume: 5 pages, pdf

Description:

1. NATO and the EU share a common vision for the future of the Western Balkans: selfsustaining stability based on democratic and effective government structures and a viable free market economy, leading to further rapprochement towards European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

2. Over many years the policy of the International Community towards the Western Balkans has been one of conflict prevention and enhancing stability. The strategic partnership between the EU and NATO in crisis management and the close co-operation with other international organisations, inter alia the UN, OSCE and CoE, has been key to bringing an end to conflict and stabilising the region. Peace has been brokered, refugees are returning and life for many has returned to normal. Democratic governments are in place and free and fair elections are becoming the norm throughout the region.

3. While much progress has been made, the task is not yet complete. The Western Balkans are still characterised by inter-ethnic tensions including cross-border effects. Economies are only slowly recovering and the pace of reforms needs to be accelerated. Organised crime and corruption bedevil governments and communities. Despite significant recent successes, some prominent indicted war criminals are still at liberty supported by criminal networks. The EU and NATO stress the obligation of full co-operation with ICTY, which remains an essential element for progress towards the EU and NATO. The political scene and state structures are still marred by the self-serving aspirations of criminals and extremists, as the assassination of late Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic depressingly illustrated. Whereas the responsibility remains with these countries, the EU and NATO are determined, within their respective framework, to continue assisting them in their own efforts to overcome these problems.