Action Plan on the Institutional enhancement of the SEECP
The SEECP is the principal political forum and the single “authentic voice” established by the region itself, bringing together all the countries of South Eastern Europe. As such, it embodies and best represents the principles of regional ownership and regional co-operation. As the necessity for stronger and better coordinated implementation of the two principles increases, it is imperative that the SEECP adapts to and prepares for the new situation. Indeed, Europe-wide there is no regional co-operation process, which had not at some point developed institutional structures and acquired operational capabilities.
We believe that the moment has arrived for the members of the SEECP to tackle the lack of institutional structures and limited operational abilities. Indeed, this is a development fully endorsed and widely expected by the EU, and the Stability Pact, which have repeatedly called for a substantial institutional reform of the SEECP.
Especially, in view of the future reshaping of the Stability Pact’s activities, the time is ripe for the countries of SEECP to contribute actively in the aforementioned process, while at the same time address the issue of the institutional enhancement of their co-operation in the framework of the SEECP. The reshaping of the Stability Pact and the institutional enhancement of the SEECP are two parallel issues closely interconnected, and their combination is to the benefit of regional co-operation and ownership.
A. Regarding the SEECP institutional enhancement:
a. Framework decisions
1. Strong message on the acceptance of the need of the institutional enhancement of the SEECP, as an example of the maturity of the region, in light of and in accordance with its European perspective.
2. Appointment of an SEECP Liaison Officer in Brussels, for better co-operation, communication and co-ordination of the SEECP activities with the EU.
3. Decision on the establishment of the post of an SEECP Secretary General, to head an internationally staffed Secretariat (from all SEECP countries).
4. The Secretary General’s main objective is to provide support and continuity to the rotating SEECP Chairmanship and to contribute to EU know-how transfer to the countries of the region.
5. Institutionalisation of Ministerial Meetings, so that a) they take place on a regular basis, modelled after the EU practice and b) the implementation of their results can be systematically followed.
6. Institutionalisation of the “Gymnich type” informal Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs
7. Gradual alignment of the SEECP rotating presidencies with the EU calendar semesters.
8. Co-operation of incoming and outgoing Chairmanships-in-Office for the elaboration of a common programme of activities.
9. Systematisation of the “Troika concept”, i.e. as regards to representation of the SEECP in special missions, like the recent visit to Pristina and Belgrade.
10. Enhancement of the Interparliamentary Co-operation, with the creation of an Assembly consisting of parliamentarians from the participating countries.
b. Implementation (until the end of 2007 at the latest)
1. Meeting of Political Directors to conclude the consultations on this Action Plan, with the view to implementing these decisions until the end of the next Chairmanship.
2. Meeting between the SEECP Troika, the European Commission and the Stability Pact Special Coordinator, to be held before the Regional Table in Belgrade (29-30 May 2006), in order to discuss the contribution of the enhanced SEECP to the reshaping of the Stability Pact.
3. Appointment until the end of 2006 of a strong political figure from the region as Secretary General, to head the SEECP Secretariat.
B. Regarding the evolution of the Stability Pact
1. The suggestion of the Commission regarding the establishment of a Regional Cooperation Council, as the body that will take over the responsibilities of the Regional Table and Working Tables of the Stability Pact, is to the right direction. The Council would safeguard the legacy of the Stability Pact and serve as an operational platform for the steering of regional cooperation in the identified priority areas. It would be comprised by the SEECP countries, the EU and other international partners active in the region.
2. It is envisaged that the Secretary General heading the SEECP Secretariat would also become Secretary General of the above mentioned Regional Cooperation Council (double hatting). In this respect, under his/her dual capacity as Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council as well as of the SEECP, he/she will be in a position to channel and better coordinate the activities of the two bodies. It is desirable that maximum synergies will be created until the end of 2007.
Through the aforementioned changes, the SEECP will be able to seize the historic opportunity to be at the centre of crucial transformations promoting the development of the region and strengthening its European perspective. From the “voice” of the region, SEECP will thus become the “actor” in and for the region. Simultaneously, the SEECP will play the central role envisaged by the EU in the future reshaping of the Stability Pact. Indeed, these changes give real substance to the principle of regional ownership, as it allows the countries in the region to undertake full responsibility for the future of the region, while at the same time they will continue to build on the useful legacy of the Stability Pact.
Last but not least, it should be underlined that the main objective of the above proposed arrangements for the enhancement of the SEECP is to support and accelerate the European perspective of the region. Regional co-operation is by no means a substitute to EU accession. On the contrary, for EU membership, it is imperative to show that the countries of SE Europe are in a position to co-operate in an institutionalized and systematic way.