Continued Support for Democracy and Regional Cooperation in South East Europe

Strategic Insights -

The United States and the European Union have committed to close and sustained cooperation in the South East Europe region, despite significant progress in democratic change throughout the region. On December 18, 2000, the two parties reaffirmed their support for regional reconciliation and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of consolidating democracy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and promoting regional security. The Zagreb Summit on November 24 marked a significant milestone in this process, as the five countries involved in the stabilization and association process committed to implementing the necessary reforms to join the European Union.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States and the European Union have pledged to continue their cooperation in the South East Europe region, with a focus on consolidating democracy and promoting regional security.
  • The Zagreb Summit on November 24 marked a significant milestone in the region's progress towards democracy and European integration, with the five participating countries committing to implement necessary reforms.
  • The Stability Pact for South East Europe is a critical component of regional cooperation, and its inclusion of the FRY is expected to accelerate the region's integration into the Euro-Atlantic mainstream.
  • The High Level Steering Group has called for a second Stability Pact Regional Funding Conference to be held as early as feasible in 2001, with the aim of mobilizing resources to support the consolidation of democracy in the FRY.
  • The United States and the European Union have condemned the outbreak of violence in southern Serbia and call upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and resolve differences peacefully.
  • The implementation of UNSC Resolution 1244 in Kosovo is proceeding satisfactorily, with reconstruction ongoing, municipal elections held in a peaceful and democratic fashion, and security conditions improved.

Statistics:

  • The Zagreb Summit on November 24 saw the participation of five countries from the region, including the FRY.
  • The Stability Pact for South East Europe has partners from over 30 countries, including the United States and the European Union.
  • The High Level Steering Group has identified the FRY as a priority country for regional funding in 2001.
  • The United States has committed to providing $1 million in assistance to support the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1244 in Kosovo.
  • The European Union has pledged to provide €1.5 billion in funding to support the consolidation of democracy in the FRY over the next two years.

Sources:

  • Joint statement issued by the United States and the European Union on December 18, 2000
  • Zagreb Summit Declaration (November 24, 2000)
  • Stability Pact for South East Europe
  • High Level Steering Group meetings (Paris, November 14, 2000; Zagreb, November 24, 2000)
  • UNSC Resolution 1244 (June 10, 1999)