Brussels, 12/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission adopted a draft negotiation mandate ahead of the opening of talks with Serbia and Montenegro on the conclusion of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). Last April, the Commission presented the results of a feasibility study, which showed that the country is now ready to negotiate this kind of agreement, which will help to promote economic and trade relations, with the objective of creating a free-trade area. The SAA will also govern the movement of workers and capital, and lay down criteria for business establishment and service provision. The negotiation mandate put forward by the Commission also provides for the creation of formal political dialogue with Serbia and Montenegro, both bilaterally and regionally. The agreement will also include a commitment on the part of the country to gradually harmonise its legislation on the Community acquis, especially in the field of the internal market.
Once the Council has approved the negotiation mandate, negotiations can be opened “as soon as possible”, said the Commission. “Progress in negotiations will, however, depend on the speed with which Serbia and Montenegro are able to build the capacity to implement the provisions of the agreement”, stressed the Commission. It also pointed out that negotiations can be suspended at any time should the country fail to fulfil the fundamental criteria, such as full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The EU has already signed similar agreements with FYROM and Croatia, and negotiations are underway with Albania.