CROATIAN CHAIRMANSHIP IN OFFICE OF THE SOUTH EAST EUROPEAN COOPERATION PROCESS (SEECP)

>>1. GOALS AND PRIORITIES

• Further strengthening of cooperation and good neighbourly relations among the SEECP Members
• Promotion of the common vision of united Europe and pursuing a strong European profile and EU perspective of the SEE in line with the Thessaloniki Agenda
• Support to comprehensive consolidation of peace and development in the region and assistance to the efforts of the international community aimed at the resolution of issues pertaining to the stability, security and prosperity in South Eastern Europe
• Further promotion of democratic potentials within and throughout the region
• Further support and assistance to European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and advancement of the Members within the Euro-Atlantic framework
• Further enhancement of the SEECP as a principal, trustworthy and authentic voice of this part of Europe
• Maintaining and encouraging the dialogue among the Members and with international partners concerning the reforms and adjustments of the SEECP with the aim to strengthen coordination and operability within the areas of common interest
• Cooperation with the Stability Pact in further advancement of cooperation, stability and development in SEE and also coordination during the SP transition and reshaping period
• Streamlining the efficiency of other regional cooperation initiatives and foras in coordination with the Members, European Union, Stability Pact, contributing countries and relevant international bodies
• Enhancing institutional relation with the European Commission

>>2. AREAS OF PRIORITY

• Consolidation of the economic potentials of the region within the broader strategic needs of the Members and EU priorities
• Promotion of regional economic cooperation through the existing and new multilateral mechanisms in the region and by engaging the European Union and other international institutions
• Focusing in particular on the cooperation in the area of energy, infrastructure, transport and telecommunication, home and justice affairs, education and youth exchange, environment protection, culture and tourism
• Focusing also on the cooperation in the process of EU accession of individual Members, by sharing knowledge and experience and by mutual assistance in the institutions-building process, strengthening of the administrative capabilities, public service education and other areas
• Promoting investment in the region by setting up thematic task forces for specific initiatives and projects aimed at economic and social rehabilitation and development, and also promoting the cooperation of the business associations and Chambers of Commerce
• Promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as coordinating initiatives coming form NGOs, academia and other institutions
• Promoting cooperation among cultural institutions
• Promoting cooperation in the IT sector, including e-based projects

>>3. SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

• Functional adjustment of SEECP activities and structures to enhance operational ability of the SEECP with a view to relating it to the EU activities, institutions and calendar, in line with the transformation strategy of the Stability Pact.
• Initiating comprehensive dialogue on this issue among the Members and with the EU and Stability Pact
• Initiating comprehensive reform-oriented debate among regional cooperation initiatives and organizations with a view to streamlining their activities
• Setting up the agenda for the Meetings of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy, Justice and Interior with a view to exchanging experience, agreeing on joint activities and implementing relevant EU documents
• Hosting the meeting of Ministers for European Integration
• Hosting the meeting of the Political Directors with the European Commission and Stability Pact
• Setting up the Agenda for SEECP activities in relation to regional political issues
• Hosting other Ministerial and Parliamentary meetings
• Hosting the SEECP summit in 2007