Brussels, 05/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - During his visit to Yugoslavia and Macedonia on Monday and Tuesday, Commissioner Chris Patten said in Belgrade that "it is remarkable to see how far this country has come in less than two years since the democratic transition." Yugoslavia: Hailing the 14 March agreement between Serbia and Montenegro, the Commissioner said it had to be implemented: "We envisage a Feasibility Study in the autumn by the European Commission, to be followed, if it is positive, by the start of negotiations…. So we need the Constitutional Charter to be adopted. And we need credible Action Plans on the harmonisation of trade and customs, and on the establishment of an internal market." Patten said that in 2003, the EU would be increasing the volume of its financial assistance from EUR 195 million to EUR 255 million, some of which would be specifically dedicated "for the implementation of the Belgrade Agreement". Macedonia. Chris Patten said "Stability is being restored", mentioning the 900 houses rebuilt in various localities (at a total cost of EUR 4.1 million), adding that "the European Commission is going to put some EUR 3.6 million more into housing repair" for the between 600 and 900 houses still needing to be fixed. He also mentioned progress in getting electricity supplies going again (EUR 13.6 million for an electricity rehabilitation project), support for refugees, improving water supplies in towns, and more. Hoping that that upcoming elections would "be conducted in a calm and peaceful atmosphere", he concluded: "This country has a bright future ahead, if it can build on what has been achieved in the last year. The coming elections offer an opportunity to do that".