Brussels, 13/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - In the text of its conclusions on the Western Balkans investment framework, finance ministers argue for increased coherence in existing financial instruments for the region and for closer coordination among international players. In the text, which is due to be adopted on Wednesday 14 May, the Council welcomes the progress made “in the Western Balkans countries in achieving transition, catching up and integration of their economies”. “Closer coordination is vital to ensure complementarity, coherence, effectiveness, and efficiency of assistance in the Western Balkans”, state the draft conclusions. The Council welcomes the Commission initiative in its communication of 5 March 2008, to establish, together with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), a comprehensive Western Balkans Investment Framework to enhance harmonisation and cooperation in investment for the socio-economic development of the region.
The Council stresses “the need to streamline the existing facilities in the context of the Investment Framework which should be rapidly implemented”. The Council welcomes the setting up of a steering group, which “should immediately start working to review existing instruments and define possible synergies”. A pooling of resources to help better link and mobilise existing grant resources for priority infrastructure projects and the rapid setting up of a common website in 2008, providing a channel for external communication and giving potential beneficiaries an overview of the existing facilities, are among concrete steps to be taken as a matter of urgency. The Council also calls on the steering group to explore the possible ways to set up a one-stop-shop for beneficiaries by the end of 2008, and to step up efforts in the coordination and harmonisation process of the various grant and loan instruments. The steering group should also ensure that best practice standards on monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the funding are maintained.
The Council, therefore, calls on the Commission, the EIB, the EBRD, the CEB and member states to cooperate closely on the above objectives and invites the Commission to report at least annually up to 2010 on progress made. The first report, to be presented by the end of 2008, should include a roadmap for the further realisation of the Western Balkans Investment Framework by 2010. (A.B.)