Luxembourg, 15/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - The External Relations Council on Monday called on the Commission to give its view of the candidature for EU membership presented by Croatia. It also decided to adopt a common position banning entry to EU territory of individuals aiding or abetting persons indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal of Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, proposed that the Council should rapidly make available part of the macro-financial assistance already approved by the EU in favour of Serbia and Montenegro (amounting to EUR 130 million) to help the new Union in its progression toward European integration. Finally, the Council invited its relevant bodies to made recommendations on the process of stabilisation and association for South East Europe, with a view to the Thessalonika Summit on 21 June.
Croatia: Günter Verheugen, Enlargement Commissioner, welcomed the Council's request, stating that the Commission could give its opinion in one year, as was the case for the other countries.
Cooperation with the ICTY: The Council's common position to be adopted to ban the entry into or transit through EU territory for all persons aiding or abetting ICTY indictees will probably be approved on Wednesday by written procedure.
Serbia and Montenegro: The Council noted the report by Javier Solana on his visit to Belgrade, last Thursday and Friday. Mr Solana said he was impressed by the effort made by the new government to combat organised crime and to arrest those responsible for the assassination of Zoran Djindjic. The Council welcomed the membership of the new Union to the Council of Europe. In addition to the speedy release of macro-financial assistance, Javier Solana and the European Commission also proposed improving access to the EU textile market in favour of Serbia and Montenegro, supporting reforms in the media sector and strengthening political dialogue. These proposals had been requested by the European Council on 20 and 21 March.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: The Council welcomed President Sarovic's decision to resign. He is suspected of being involved in the illegal sale of arms to Iraq through the company Orao. Furthermore, the Council supports the preparation of a European Commission feasibility study on the opening of negotiations for an association and stabilisation agreement with the EU. While stating he is ready to conduct this study, Günter Verheugen recalls that the results of the study could be either positive or negative. He invited Bosnia Herzegovina to continue the reforms needed to come closer to the norms of the EU.
Furthermore, the Council recalled the importance that it attaches to regional cooperation, welcomed the launching of the Concordia military mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and the Commission's 2003 report on the association and stabilisation process for South East Europe.