| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2012) 602 final (10.10.12) |
| Publication Date | 10/10/2012 |
| Content Type | Policy-making |
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The main principles of the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) were set out in a Commission Communication of May 1999 and were confirmed by the Council in June 1999. Through this process, the European Union (EU) expresses its determination to take up the challenge and responsibility to contribute to the stability of the Western Balkans region. In return for compliance with the relevant conditions, the EU offers the countries tailor-made contractual relations: Stabilisation and Association Agreements. The conditions for establishing contractual relations with the Western Balkans countries are set in the Council Conclusions of April 1997. The main elements include a credible engagement to undertake democratic reforms, respect and protect human rights, minorities and freedom of expression, and free and regular elections. The Council also expects implementation of the first economic reforms, readmission from Member States and commitment to the regional cooperation. To date, feasibility studies have been prepared for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. Stabilisation and Association Agreements have subsequently been signed with all these countries. The December 2011 Council recalled the EU's willingness to assist the economic and political development of Kosovo through a clear European perspective, in line with the European perspective of the region. The Council underlined the need to take concrete steps to that effect. In February 2012, the Council took note of the intention of the Commission to launch the feasibility study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo. In the context of the Council Conclusions of February 2012, the Commission made a Declaration stating that "the Commission's feasibility study will examine whether the political, economic and legal criteria for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement are fulfilled. The launch of the feasibility study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo is without prejudice to the legal status and Member States' positions on the recognition of Kosovo". |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0602:FIN:EN:PDF |
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| Countries / Regions | Kosovo |
