Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- EU Strategy in the Western Balkans Brussels, July 11, 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Source: Joint EC/ World Bank Office "The Balkans are part of Europe. We are - as it were - in the same boat. Our past and our futures are intimately bound together. Our peoples want the same things - peace, stability, high standards and decency in public life, freedom, prosperity and opportunity." Chris Patten, European Commission The European Union and the Balkans share common hopes, interests, and objectives, European Commissioner Chris Patten said in a meeting yesterday organized by the International Crisis Group. The European Union's objective is to equip this part of the European continent to sustain democracy and the rule of law, supported by thriving market economies in close partnership with other international key players, and particularly with the peoples and governments of the region. Looking back at the developments in the region over the past year, Mr Patten concluded that the European Union's approach in the Balkans was beginning to show progress, notwithstanding the current crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He stressed that the magnitude of the task that the European Union has embarked upon in the region will require time and effort to make it a reality. Above all, the gradual integration of the Balkans into the European Union will require major practical and cultural adjustments by the countries of the region. The Stabilization and Association process is a practical agenda for change-one that intends to support a new economy that generates wealth, attracts foreign direct investment, and enables trade to flow with countries of the region and the European Union. However, new laws will have to be enforced and understood, not just proclaimed. People have to be convinced that the laws will protect their legitimate interests and they must respect it. ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
