Resolution on the meeting of the Troika with the countries participating in thhe Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe

The European Parliament adopted a resolution expressing its satisfaction at the progress made in the Stabilisation and Association Process countries towards democracy and the rule of law, but voicing its serious concern at the economic and social situation. The rapporteur was Doris PACK (EPP-ED, Germany). The governments of the countries concerned and the EU must make economic and social development a high priority. Parliament felt that, in parallel with enhancing regional cooperation, the Stabilisation and Association Process should be reinforced by means of the following: - fixing clear annual benchmarks for each country; - accepting the regular involvement of representatives of Stabilisation and Association Process countries in the implementation of the EU's CFSP/ESDP; - promoting mobility programmes for students and young professionals within South-Eastern Europe and the EU (giving access to the EU's SOCRATES and LEONARDO programmes); - reforming the education systems, in line with the EU's common values. - establishing mechanisms for better joint implementation of Community programmes for Stabilisation and Association Process and candidate countries in areas of common interest (CARDS and PHARE); - giving early consideration to lifting visa requirements for the EU. Parliament emphasised that the future integration of the SAP countries into the EU will take a significant amount of time and will have to be evaluated on the ability of each country to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria. The parliaments of the SAP countries must focus their actions on: - an active policy against organised crime and trafficking in human beings, drugs and arms, including the setting-up of adequate intelligence, investigation and prosecution structures and, wherever relevant, the reform of the legal and judicial systems; - the creation of the basic structures and legal conditions for effective transnational cooperation between police and judicial structures; - the ratification and implementation of Council of Europe Conventions, particular those relating to criminal law; - an effective policy to promote the return of refugees and displaced persons and the protection of minorities; - full cooperation with the ICTY, as well as with all other international judicial structures in which the country participates as well as full cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Parliament stated that Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia must establish, with the utmost urgency, the necessary implementing mechanisms for a full and complete return of refugees and displaced persons. Bosnia must also pass the appropriate legislation with regard to the protection of minorities. Parliament went on to state that Kosovo's stability and prosperity depend on respecting the rights of all its citizens and, in particular, on the return of refugees and displaced persons, as well as on genuine protection for its minorities. The EU institutions are asked to evaluate the feasibility ofincluding Moldova in the SAPC. Finally, the current process of implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Process should be accompanied by the certain specified adjustments to the management structures of the EU institutions.�