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The Balkan Environmental Regulatory
Compliance and Enforcement Network (BERCEN) was established by high-level
officials from the environmental ministries of South Eastern Europe (SEE)
in Tirana, Albania in December 2001.
BERCEN operates under the framework of the stabilisation and association process, the European Union's strategy for creating the conditions needed to integrate the countries of the region into European structures. A cornerstone of this approach is the stabilisation and association agreement, which is a contractual agreement adapted to the specific context of each country. This agreement offers a country the prospect of integration into the EU's structures while setting political and economic conditions to be met. Environment is included as a key area for cooperation. The SAP also sets political and economic conditions for the countries, as well as the need for regional cooperation. BERCEN facilitates, assists and promotes the enforcement of regulations throughout SEE by disseminating information, finding common denominators for cooperation and developing projects of common interest with the countries participating in the network. The members of BERCEN will work together to advance the application and implementation of environmental legislation and to increase the effectiveness of enforcement agencies and inspectorates. BERCEN will use the experience of the IMPEL, INECE and and Regulatory Environmental Programme Implementation Network - REPIN (previously known as NISECEN - NIS Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network) to provide a good strategic framework for future cooperation and exchange of information. The European Commission assistance programmes PHARE, OBNOVA and CARDS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway , the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency provide funding for BERCEN's activities. |
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