Under project on facilitation of cross border cooperation in the SEE, on October 15, 2003 Ministries of Environment and Head of Delegations of Stabilisation and Association Countries met in Skopje, FYR Macedonia to discuss to discuss the achieved progress, identify common problems in the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) and propose priorities of high interest for the region for future assistance within the SAP, which is the main driving force for environmental improvement in the region. They adopted a Joint Statement. In the Joint Statement identified the following areas for regional, cross border cooperation and assistance have been outlined: Process of approximation of legislation and of strengthening of the environmental institutions, including local authorities. Joint work on environmental enforcement and compliance, particularly implementation of the IPPC and Seveso II Directives Efforts for promoting the implementation of the EIA/SEA EU Directives, including EIA in a transboundary context (Espoo Convention) Preparatory activities for implementation of heavy investment directives Sustainable and integrated management of water resources based on the EU Water Framework Directive and related directives Preparatory activities for the Framework Directive on Waste and related directives Efforts for strengthening the civil society and for implementation of the principles of the Aarhus Convention, as reflected in the relevant directives. Development and introduction of economic instruments. Establishing common market for environmentally friendly technologies, renewable energy and cleaner technologies, introducing EMAS and ISO 14000. Environmental education. Protection of biological and landscape diversity, including promotion of sustainable tourism. Integration of environmental concerns into other sectors, e.g. sustainable transport and agriculture, including addressing adequately environmental health issues. In the Joint Statement the CARDS Programme has been recognised as a very important mechanism for technical assistance. However, more environmental investment projects have to be attracted to the region and respective additional programmes are needed, as it was the case with the EU candidate countries. However, The Ministers and Heads of Delegations called upon the European Commission, donor countries, international organisations and institutions to mobilise additional resources for assisting the successful implementation of the environmental obligations within SAP following the pattern established for the new EU member states.

Back to Front Page Introduction to the REReP