Council Conclusions on Western Balkans

Council Conclusions on Western Balkans
2846th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting
Brussels, 28 January 2008

"The European Union is committed to sign a Stabilisation and Association Agreement as soon as the necessary steps have been finalised. The European Union remains convinced of the benefits that the SAA will bring to both sides and of the positive effects this will have for the region as well. In
this context the EU is committed to :

- support the efforts of Serbia to strengthen democracy and the rule of law;
- contribute to political, economic and institutional stability in Serbia;
- provide a framework for political dialogue, allowing the development of close political
relations;
- support the efforts of Serbia to develop its economic and international co-operation, including
through helping Serbia prepare its laws for eventual EU membership, including integration into
the EU’s single market;
- support Serbia’s efforts to complete its transition into a functioning market economy;
- develop a free trade area between the Community and Serbia;
- and foster regional co-operation.
- With a view to achieving this, the European Union agrees to set up a Task Force to examine
ways of delivering rapid progress. The work of the Task Force will start immediately with a
view to formulating recommendations to Serbia and the Council of the European Union as
quickly as possible."