Brussels, 16/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, EU Foreign and Defence Ministers took stock of the European Union's contribution to the reform of the security sector in the Balkan countries. In conclusions adopted by the General Affairs Council, Minsters insisted on the need to develop an overall European approach, based on existing EU tools and policies, and resting on the following principles: - the countries of the region should take ownership of the process and remain responsible for the reform of their security sector; - the process should be integrated into the more general framework of the strengthening of the rule of law, democratic institutions and respect for human rights; - there should be parliamentary control over the security sector; - the European approach should be holistic, while taking account of the characteristics of each country; - there should be a contribution to projects based on regional cooperation; - support should be given to the fight against, especially cross-border, organised crime; - there should be coordination of European tools and activities of EU member states active in the sector; - there has to be coordination with other international players in the region.