The Stabilisation and Association process in short
WHAT IS IT?
The European Union's (EU's) main contribution to the Stability Pact for South-East Europe.
Enhancement of the Regional Approach, which has until now provided the framework for the development of relations between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania.
Stronger incentives for the region, but also more demanding conditions regarding political and economic development and regional co-operation.
A tailor-made, progressive approach that takes into account the individual situation of each country. Some countries can progress faster than others.
WHAT IS IN IT?
The Stabilisation and Association process will include, as appropriate:
Stabilisation and Association Agreements: a new kind of contractual relationship offered by the EU in return for compliance with the relevant conditions to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
This represents a new dimension in the relations with these five countries, offering for the first time a clear prospect of integration into the EU's structures; asymmetric trade liberalisation; economic and financial assistance, budgetary assistance and balance of payment support; assistance for democratisation and civil society; humanitarian aid for refugees, returnees and other persons of concern; co-operation in justice and home affairs; development of a political dialogue.
WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL?
Bring peace, stability and economic development to the region and open the perspective of long-term membership of the EU.
