Brussels, 27.1.2006
COM(2006) 27 final
Almost three years after the Thessaloniki summit, the Western Balkans region has further stabilised and advanced towards the European Union. The European perspective provides a powerful incentive for political and economic reform and has encouraged reconciliation among the peoples of the region. It is in the interest of the EU as a whole, as well as the countries concerned, that this process should be stepped up. This will help the EU to attain its own objectives without the risk of renewed instability in a directly adjacent region. Reinforcing the EUs policy for the region, especially in areas of mutual interest where there is a strong demand from the people of the region, such as Justice, Liberty and Security, education and trade, is the best means to strengthen the credibility of the process and to lessen political risks.
This Communication assesses developments since Thessaloniki and sets out concrete measures to reinforce its policy and instruments in line with the Commissions strategy Paper on enlargement of November 2005. As the Council concluded in December, the Strategy Paper is a good basis for the discussion of enlargement issues in 2006. Member States are invited to endorse the measures set out in the present document and to ensure that the necessary support is provided to achieve the EUs objectives in the region.