Relations EU/Western Balkan countries: partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and the association process

PURPOSE : to establish European partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and association process. LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 533/2004/EC on the establishment of European partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and association process. CONTENT : the Council adopted this Regulation on the establishment of European Partnerships within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process for the countries of the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro, including Kosovo. The European Partnerships will identify priorities for action to enable the further integration of these countries into the European Union, in the light of criteria defined by the European Council. They will be adapted to the countries' specific needs and to the specificities of the Stabilisation and Association Process, including regional cooperation. Informal consultations will be held in preparing the partnerships with the countries concerned as well as, where appropriate, with the international community. It should be noted that the follow-up of these European partnerships is ensured within the framework of the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual reports on the stabilisation and association process. The Council shall decide by qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the European partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 27 March 2004.�