Press Release: Commission proposes financial guarantees for assistance for the Balkans in the financial programming for 2001-2006

Over the next few years the stability pact for the western Balkans will be one of the budget priorities for the European Union. On the basis of a proposal made by the Commissioner for the budget, Michaele Schreyer, the Commission is proposing a revision of the financial perspectives to secure the financing of this priority without increasing overall EU budgetary requirements. In all, a maximum of €5.5 billion will be earmarked for the western Balkans for 2000-2006.