Strategic Moves - Regional Environmental Center for Central and ...

TABLE 3: Stabilisation and Association Agreements
In the SEE countries, the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP), established
in 1999, is the negotiation framework designed to bring the countries increasingly
closer to the EU. 3 Through the SAP, SEE countries benefit from free
access to the EU single market as well as access to EU financial support for their reform
efforts. The SAP also includes assistance for reconstruction, development
and stabilisation (CARDS/IPA). Central to the process is the stabilisation and association
agreement (SAA), which defines the contractual relationship between
the EU and each individual SEE country and encompasses mutual rights and obligations.
The SAP has three aims:
• to stabilise the countries and encourage their swift transition to a market
economy;
• to promote regional cooperation; and
• to lead to eventual membership of the EU.
An important factor in the SAP is regional cooperation, which is a vital
component for regional stability and prosperity. Cooperation is essential in
successfully tackling transboundary issues, including environmental issues, and
key common challenges (such as energy shortages, pollution, and transport
infrastructure). 4
The SAAs constitute powerful engines for trade integration, domestic reform
and rapprochement to the EU, not least through clauses that encourage legislative
approximation and the building of administrative capacity. Benefits of the agreements
include economic development through enhanced trade and economic cooperation
leading to the creation of attractive conditions for investments, not least
in the environmental sector. At the same time, they encourage individual entrepreneurial
initiatives and generate employment. Another benefit is progress in po-
C H A P T E R 4
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T A N D T H E E U A C C E S S I O N P R O C E S S
COUNTRY SIGNED ENTERED INTO FORCE
Albania June 2006 April 2009
Bosnia and Herzegovina June 2008 Interim agreement in force since July 2008
Croatia October 2001 February 2005
FYR Macedonia April 2001 April 2004
Montenegro October 2007 January 2008
Serbia April 2008 Interim agreement in force since April 2008
Kosovo (as defined under UNSCR 1244) Participation through the Stabilisation Process Tracking
Mechanism. In March 2007, enhanced SAP tracking
mechanism structures were set up.
Source: EC national progress reports 2009, DG Enlargement website http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/index_en.htm
S T R AT E G I C M O V E S 77