EIC Bulletin E l e c t r o n i c m o n t h l y m a g a z i n e f o r E u r o p e a n i n t e g r a t i o n - N o . 2 7 , D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 7

FFOOCCUUSS OOFF TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEE Government and employers on the Interim Agreement with EU coming into force on 1 January

IINNTTEERRVVIIEEWW Juliana Nikolova, expert of the European Institute in Sofia

AANNAALLYYSSEESS May first tensions between Podgorica and Montenegro undermine credibility of the Government of Montenegro C u r r e n t a f f a i r s D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

P O L A N D , S L O V A K I A , H U N G A R Y , C Z E C H R E P U B L I C , S L O V E N I A , M A L T A , L A T V I A , L I T H U A N I A A N D E S T O N I A J O I N E D T H E S C H E N G E N Z O N E Borders disappeared

fter they became EU members Ain May 2004, Central and East European countries scored another success on the 21 December - they HHOOPPEE joined the Schengen zone. The bor- nd of 2007. The Government says it was ders of Eastern Europe, once Ea historical year - Montenegro's guarder by machine guns and achievements with regard to EU accession barbed wire have now disappeared, in 2007 deserve to be included in history Removal of the border textbooks. Indeed, Montenegro entered its with celebrations, fireworks, toasts first official, contractual relationship with and music. At the Slovakian-Austrian border, EU on 15 October 2007, after having The nine countries joined the signed the agreements on visa facilitation visitors could get souvenir stamps in and readmission. existing 15 members to create a their passports. All would agree that the signing of space the size of one third of the The decision to enlarge the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is territory of USA, spanning 4000 Schengen zone, named after the an exceptional event, opening the EU membership perspective to the smallest kilometres of passport-free area Luxembourg village where in 1985 and least developed republic of the former from Estonia to Portugal. the first agreement was signed on SFRY. The government was overjoyed, but Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech passport-free travel, also sprouted the opposition too welcomed the agree- Republic, Slovenia, Malta, Latvia, ment, hoping that the presence of EU in fears of rising crime rates and illegal Montenegro will become stronger, that it Lithuania, and Estonia joined the migration. Although many feel this will help them to "control the government" Schengen zone. Cyprus, also an EU could be the negative side of and indirectly implement some order in member since 2004, asked for a year Schengen, the worries are offset by Montenegro so it does not become a "Mediterranean Columbia". of delay before opening its borders. hopes of boosting business and Opposition dreams may even come Romania and Bulgaria have joined tourism. true, seen that the European Commission the EU this year, but will still have to Border barriers have been cere- Delegation promised to bring 40 employees to its Podgorica office in early 2008. Maybe, meet numerous security criteria monially removed, customs officers because everything depends on whether the before joining the Schengen zone. abandoned their posts and people government will allow any control. By the The enlarged Schengen zone were moving freely back and forth example of the Strategy for energy develop- includes 24 countries and some 400 ment, it seems unlikely. Add the case of the across the border that once separat- Spatial plan, and you get a complete picture million people. At the moment it ed the Soviet block from the West. of a government confident of its superior covers land and coastal border, and German chancellor Angela knowledge and skills. What is left for the will be extended to airports in Merkel, who was herself brought up Brussels representatives to do? Nothing, except to report to their bosses, and their March 2008. in the communist East Germany bosses to Olli Rehn and so forth. Then the Thousands of people form welcomed this historical move that EU could in turn decide to ignore our Latvia, Lithuania and Poland went to for many signifies the final disap- prospective membership application. find work in UK or Ireland, whose To conclude: there is hope for pearance of the shadow of "Iron Montenegro. The ruling coalition is so labour markets have been long open Curtain". untouchable for so long also because of its to workers from the new EU mem- "We are happy to have lived ability to adapt to new circumstances. ber states. UK and Ireland are not through this truly historical moment" Should there be any deeper confrontations with EU institutions, however, it will be members of the Schengen zone. said Merkel at the ceremony in cleared the government is ruled from infor- Borders disappeared also Zitau on the German border with mal seats of power who care little for the between the Baltic countries, Poland, adding that borders have future of Montenegro if that would mean lower profits for them. The conclusion still including the city of Valga-Valka on caused must suffering in the past. holds. Unmasking the hidden enemy is half the Estonian-Latvian border, where the road to victory. N.R. the border divided the main street. N.R.

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A V I E W F R O M E U R O P E You are slowly getting better "Nevertheless, even if we believe that this as a transparent, economically prospering decision is the right one, we know very country, free of endemic corruption, with well that this is a mid-term prospect, and stable structures in all respects. This that much preparation will be need it to includes a pluralistic society, freedom of turn the perspective of EU membership expression and, of course, the strict rule into reality". She also added that she sees of law. We want to see Montenegro as an a rather rapid accession possibility only integral element of a democratic, ever for Croatia. more united Europe. We want to see Our concrete Presidency working Montenegro's structures economically, program for the Western Balkans has politically, sociologically and ecologically by Dr Thomas Schmitt meanwhile been implemented com- sustainable. And we want to remove all pletely in the case of Montenegro, barriers that still impede the full interac- am convinced that Montenegro has a although with a certain technical time tion of society and economy between Ivery good perspective in terms of its delay: the conclusion of the SAA, the Montenegro and the rest of Europe - of European future. As a matter of fact, in Visa Facilitation and the Readmission course, including Germany. some important areas, things develop Agreements. Also, the EU Council has There is still a lot of structural home- much better in Montenegro than in adopted a European Partnership with work to be done in a country that has other areas of the Balkans. Yes, Montenegro on 22 January 2007. It was regained its independence after an inter- Montenegro has to change, if it wants to signed under the German Presidency but ruption of almost 90 years. We support become a member of the EU and if it negotiations leading to it had been con- that in many ways. Bilaterally through wants to compete internationally under ducted mostly under previous Pre- organizations like GTZ (Society for conditions of globalization. But the sidencies, especially the Finnish one. It Technical Cooperation), KfW (Credit problem of Montenegro is not a person. forms the basis of European financial and Institution for Reconstruction), HELP, or The problem is not a party. The main structural cooperation with Montenegro, our political foundations (such as KAS problem of Montenegro is: old habits, in the form of the famous IPA (Konrad Adenauer Foundation) or FES old networks and still inadequate legal and administrative structures. I am To modernize a society is always a long-tterm project. But we are always trying to point to these problems. optimistic that Montenegro will achieve these goals. We are opti- This is what will have to change if we mistic that Montenegro will be a success story, eventually want to get Montenegro successfully into the EU and into the modern world! And (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance). (Friedrich Ebert Foundation). But there are I am optimistic it will change, over time. And it provides for a three-year assis- many other organizations and persons After Thessaloniki in 2003, the tance program of around 33 million euro from Germany involved in this. European Union's policy of Stabilisation per year for Montenegro. Multilaterally, we do this through our and Association has contributed critically to Why do we do this? Why all these share in international organizations, where progress achieved throughout the region in promises, why all that money? I can, first we are one of the largest contributors. In promoting stability and in bringing the of all, speak for my country. the EU we are certainly by far the largest countries closer to the Union. It now My answer is that Germany has a single one. So, in fact, a lot of the EU needs to be strengthened and enriched clear regional approach towards the money, between a quarter and a third, with elements from the enlargement Western Balkan region, from which our comes from German taxpayers. process, so that it can better meet the new specific political approach towards I have already said: it seems to me challenges, as the countries slowly move Montenegro is derived. This approach is that there has been definite progress in from stabilisation and reconstruction to based on our own value system: our Montenegro in the recent past. Structures sustainable development, association and ideas of human rights, pluralism and are changing and improving, although, of integration into European structures. democracy which we want to see fulfilled course, sometimes slowly. To modernize a In her Government declaration on everywhere in Europe) and upon our society is always a long-term project. But the upcoming German EU Presidency European Integration concept. Article 49 we are optimistic that Montenegro will pronounced in Berlin on December 14th of the EU-Treaty stipulates that every achieve these goals. We are optimistic 2006, the German Federal Chancellor democratic European state has the right that Montenegro will be a success story, Angela Merkel confirmed German support to apply for membership of the Union. eventually. for the accession perspective of the We apply that approach to our relations Western Balkan countries. She expressly with Montenegro. Author is the Ambassador of the mentioned Montenegro. She added: We will be happy to see Montenegro Republic of Germany in Montenegro

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G O V E R N M E N T A N D E M P L O Y E R S O N T H E I N T E R I M A G R E E M E N T W I T H E U C O M I N G I N T O F O R C E O N 1 J A N U A R Y A challenge and a stimulus for Montenegrin economy

neurs will be able to acquire Montenegrin companies to export cheaper raw materials and equip- to the European market free of tar- ment from EU given the decrease in iffs or quotas. Truth be told, for tariffs, and the consumers will have those who have met the EU quali- a wider range of quality and prices ty standards, such provisions were by Vladan @ugi} to choose from. already in place since the adoption The Interim Agreement with EU of the Autonomous trade measures n the eve of the beginning of will come into force on 1 January by EU in 2000. Oimplementation of the Interim 2008, and it encompasses all provi- On the other hand, the IA stip- Agreement (IA) with EU regarding sions of the Stabilisation and ulates that Montenegro will gradu- trade and related issues, Association Agreement regarding ally remove its own tariffs for EU Montenegrin employers judge that trade, as well as those directly relat- products over a period of five years. the Government could have done ed to the free movement of goods. Deputy Minister for economic more in the previous years to stim- The agreement will allow development, Ljiljana Filipovi} says ulate export production and enable them to prepare themselves better for competition with European UUNNIINNFFOORRMMEEDD PPRROODDUUCCEERRSS,, products. On the other hand, the TTRROOUUBBLLEESSOOMMEE SSTTAANNDDAARRDDIISSAATTIIOONN Government claims they have had numerous programmes to aid those sked whether the Government could have done more in the past to make the access to EU markets easier for the Montenegrin products, Mitrovi} producers who were interested in A warns that the practice has shown that our producers are likely to encounter a implementing new standards and series of problems, such as difficult loans for export production, high excises, raising the quality of their products piles of paperwork, troubles with the payment of claims and other difficulties. - measures necessary to meet the "In that sense, bearing in mind the bilateral free trade agreements signed competitive pressures of the by Montenegro with other countries of the region, ratification of the CEFTA European market. and the Interim Agreement, it is clear that the current and future exporters will Neither the ones nor the others need substantial assistance. This should come both through the lifting of fear that the opening of the administrative burdens by the relevant institutions as well as through joint Montenegrin market to EU products efforts at increased competitiveness and improved capacities of companies act- could incur long-term increases in ing in the foreign markets", Mitrovi} says. In addition to information about customs tariffs and necessary documents, the trade deficit, nor do they dare another important aspect is the issue of standardisation. to predict what would be the "UPCG believes that the process of institutionalisation of Montenegrin expected increase in Montenegrin standards, in line with European and international standards, is long due. Let exports to the 27 EU member me remind that the Institute for standardisation, founded this year, is still not states. properly operational. In the meantime, many producers and entrepreneurs in According to this view, imple- Montenegro have little information about the EU standardisation requirements, mentation of the IA will attract EU such as rules on classification, packaging, labelling etc.", Mitrovi} says. investors, with positive conse- UPCG has been working on a booklet containing the regulations on stan- quences for the overall economic dardisation of food and agricultural products in order to inform Montenegrin growth. Producers and entrepre- producers about such issues and facilitate their implementation in practice.

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if he or she is not good enough for S E J I V

the national or regional markets. o t o

The Government offered its assis- h p tance to the producers who find new standards and rising product quality requirements challenging - e.g. the Ministry of Agriculture helped with the implementation of HASAP standards. There were also numerous international assistance programmes through CARDS, PSO, or IPA funds", Filipovi} explains for EIC Bulletin. Director of the Association of Montenegrin Employers (Unija Ljiljana Filipovi} Predrag Mitrovi} poslodavaca Crne Gore - UPCG) that domestic producers had to Predrag Mitrovi} says that in the ment of Montenegrin companies meet the same fierce competition upcoming period Montenegrin pro- and their better performance on even before the IA came into force, ducers will have easier access to the this market. It is well known that and that only those whose quality EU market through various forms of Montenegro is an import-based and productivity satisfied the economic and non-economic stim- economy, while our exports are still demanding domestic market could uli, the lowering of business barri- based on raw materials and semi- survive. ers, standardisation and rapproche- manufactured goods, mostly in the "Besides, given the implemen- ment with European business regu- metal and wood industry. It is tation of the bilateral free trade lations through legal and institution- therefore important to strengthen agreements with the countries of al adjustments. and improve competitiveness of our the region, now CEFTA 2006, 30% "This is a long-term process economy, which means that the of all trade in Montenegro is con- which is anything but easy: it Government, its institutions, as well ducted free of customs and tariffs. requires harmonisation on various as the private sector, i.e. UPCG as A Montenegrin producer cannot be levels, but will certainly contribute the representative organisation of a serious player in a wider marker to the overall growth and develop- employers must work together on meeting the challenges of the glob- al markets. The Government ought EEUU TTHHEE BBIIGGGGEESSTT to foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation, to stim- ulate creation of linkage and sup- EEXXPPOORRTT MMAARRKKEETT port industries and to encourage ilipovi} explains that EU is the biggest export market for Montenegrin prod- the firms to focus on the interna- Fucts: aluminium, steel, iron and the related products, fuel, drinks, fruit, wood tional market. In that sense, and in and wood products. the light of the EU Competitiveness "The presence of EU market in Montenegrin total exports grew from 53.4% declaration from 2004, we must in 2005 to 62% in 2006. The growth of Montenegrin exports, 36% in the same begin with the establishment of a period is the consequence of increased exports to EU countries. This testifies to National Council for improved overall economic cooperation with EU countries, as well as to an Competitiveness as soon as possi- increase in competitiveness of Montenegrin products in general", Filipovi} said. According to Mitrovi}, Montenegrin export products are mostly aluminium, ble", Mitrovi} said. iron and steel, mineral fuels, oils and its derivatives. Filipovi} and Mitrovi} do not "That makes up 70% of Montenegrin exports, which suggests minimal fear that the implementation of the diversification of Montenegrin export products. On the other hand, we have Interim Agreement could increase noted an increase in exports of food and beverages industry, which indicates the foreign trade deficit of that we should hope to add health food, wine and fish to tourism as Montenegro which in the first 9 Montenegrin export aces", Mitrovi} said. months of this year reached a

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record of billion euros, 68% more FFAALLLLIINNGG CCUUSSTTOOMMSS TTAARRIIFFFFSS than in the same period last year. Filipovi} explains that the 2006 ategory I - sensitive After signing the SAA Category I Category II trade deficit stems mostly from the industrial products - C import of the construction equip- gradual decrease in cus- First year 80% 85% toms tariffs over the next Second year 50% 70% ment for infrastructural projects. three years (marble and Third year 25% 55% "Through the rule of diagonal decorative marble, wood Fourth year 0% 40% cumulating, Montenegrin producers products, shoes, alumini- Fifth year - 20% will be able to buy raw materials um products, cooling from EU at lower prices without devices and some industrial products which are not currently produced in customs tariffs and to place their Montenegro but constitute a significant contribution to the budget through cus- finished products not only in the toms duties - e.g. cell phones, passenger cars, cooling devices...) EU markets but also in the markets Category II - more sensitive industrial products - gradual decrease in cus- of CEFTA, EFTA and Turkey, free of toms tariffs over the next five years (agroindustry, wood processing, leather and tariffs, making our production more shoes, stone products, paper, some aluminium products, textile industry and met- alwork). competitive. As for the supply of List 2 - sensitive finished goods from EU in the After signing the SAA List II List III products - products eli- domestic market, consumers and First year 80% 90% gible for progressive the tourist economy will have Second year 60% 80% elimination of tariff pro- greater opportunities to choose Third year 40% 70% tection (20% per annum) both the quality and the price of Fourth year 20% 60% over a period of five year their product. In the short run, Fifth year 0% 50% from the date of coming trade liberalisation will have nega- into force of Interim tive effects on the budget, but in Agreement. The list contains some of the basic agricultural products, such as: live the long run the growth of eco- animals (cattle, pork and poultry), pork meat and fat, other segments of poultry, whey, eggs, ornamental plants and seedlings of agricultural and forest plants. nomic activity and employment is Vegetables: onion, carrots, legumes, mushrooms; fruit: figs, citrus fruits, blackber- the final goal of all countries striv- ries, coffee, wheat flour, processed fruit and vegetables, some alcoholic beverages, ing to join EU, Montenegro among tobacco. Processed products: sweets, some non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, them", Filipovi} said. beer, tobacco products. According to Mitrovi}, removal List 3 - more sensitive products - tariff protection will decrease to 50% of of customs tariffs and other barriers the current levels over a period of 5 years and will remain there until Montenegro in Montenegro should result n joins the EU. greater flows of FDI from EU. The list contains basic agricultural products: lambs, all categories of beef, all "Interim Agreement is in this categories of lamb and goat meet, poultry, salted and smoked products, milk, sour case the necessary "positive signal" cream, yoghurt, butter and cheese, honey, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, cucum- bers, peppers and spinach, tangerines, grapes, honey and water melons, apples, for the investors and potential part- pears, cherries, sour cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, strawberries, raspberries ners from EU. We expect the flow and kiwi, olive oil and all meat products, as well as processed agricultural prod- of foreign investments and activities ucts (dairy products and natural and sparkling water). to continue, but this will require Wine quota - Montenegro can export free of tariffs up to 16. 000 hl per efforts to improve competitiveness year (current level of exports is 3.000), which is an asymmetric arrangement in of the local economy. That, in turn, Montenegrin favour. Montenegrin team of negotiators managed to agree on a could boost our exports and thus much lower quota for imports from EU-27 (1.500 hl in the first year after sign- diminish the trade account imbal- ing the SAA, with a yearly increase of 500 hl up to a maximum of 3 500 hl). ance. In the long run, Montenegro Montenegrin delegation has the responsibility to submit the Montenegrin propos- will have more chances to reduce al for the protected sign of geographic origin and to finalise the proposal of a law on wine (regions, kinds, geographic marks and other important elements for SAA). the current deficit through exports Quota for fish - (free access to the EU market) was set at 20 tonnes for the to the EU markets. We must, how- following sub-categories: trout, carp, sea bass and sea perch. The limit for ever, always bear in mind the well- processed or preserved fish products is 200 tonnes for sardines (with 6% tariff) being of the local producers, and 200 tonnes for anchovies (12.5% tariff), with a possibility of rising the quota through implementation of certain after for years up to 250 and 500 tonnes respectively. For all other fish products stimulatory measures and by offer- there will be a gradual decrease in the customs tariffs over a period of three years ing the necessary training", Mitrovi} down to 70% of MNF. concludes.

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J U L I A N A N I K O L O V A , E X P E R T O F T H E E U R O P E A N I N S T I T U T E I N S O F I A Have your own vision of your country's development here are two ways to negotiate "Standards" are - let's say, a very Twith EU - either you agree with common word, but it actually means all the proposals and demands that nothing. There are regulations, are coming from EC or you check all European treaties, case-studies and the proposals and commitments, and case-decisions. The hardest for fight for something that you think is Bulgaria were the areas without the in national interest, says Juliana so called "Acquis", without European Nikolova, expert of the European legislation. The toughest task was to Institute in Sofia. In the interview for implement the basic principles of EIC Bulletin, she explained that democracy - the rule of law, for Bulgaria chose to explore every pos- instance, which means fighting cor- sibility, "unlike Romania, who said ruption and organized crime that are "yes" to almost all proposals and the major burden on the road to EU. demands". That is why implementing the legisla- "That made out situation much tion is not an easy task. It is easier to harder. You are in a much better Juliana Nikolova build structures and educate people position than we were at that time", than to create institutions needed for Nikolova said. focused on catching up with the the implementation of the "Acquis". She reminds that Bulgaria started "Visegrad troika". That meant for us The hard work is to establish the negotiation for association agreement no less commitment and no fewer basic principles, to ensure that your later then the so called "Visegrad troi- obligations then for the Troika, and country will function as an equal ka", which consisted of Czecho- that was very hard to accomplish" member of this community of states. slovakia, Poland and Hungary. In which areas was it most dif- Aside for the fight against cor- "I remember, in 1992 all EC ficult for Bulgaria to adapt to the EU ruption, what other issues were on decisions and recommendations were standards, and where was it easier? the top of the agenda for negotia- tions? Bulgaria began negotiations in six YYOOUU WWIILLLL HHAAVVEE TTOO WWAAIITT areas: science and research, educa- tion, statistic, small and medium size enterprises, culture and media and AATT LLEEAASSTT UUNNTTIILL 22001155 telecommunications. We closed these How would you see the European perspective of Montenegro and the chapters very quickly, within three to West Balkan region? six months. The sector of education Good news is that all countries of Western Balkans, including Kosovo, are was the easiest to negotiate with the on the map for future EU enlargement. They will be member states. The only Commission. It is clear now, howev- question is - when? The answer to this question is bad news. I think that er, that the reforms are most painful Bulgaria will support integration of the region within the Union, but all of the in those areas that are without member states are not ready yet to accept all of us. Except for Croatia, which "Acquis", without European require- is likely to complete the process of negotiations in 2009, and probably become ments. Even today, seven years after a member in 2010-2011, depending on the ratification procedures, the rest will have to wait at least until 2015. All Western Balkan countries should look for the provisional closing of this chapter, support from Bulgaria, Romania and other new member states, and should Bulgaria is still facing major difficulties include them in their financial perspective for the upcoming period 2015/20. - mainly because the government, the politicians, had never really

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the status of the civil servants based FINANCING THE EU on career development, merit ENLARGEMENT IN BULGARIA increase, etc, that could make the civil servant status prestigious so that PRE-ACCESSION people who work in the civil service ISPA 7.3 billion euro can be proud of themselves. SAPARD 3.6 billion euro Could you find parallels bet- PHARE 10.9 billion euro ween Bulgaria and Montenegro regar- TOTAL 21.8 billion euro ding the process of EU integrations? There are different kinds of bur- POST-ACCESSION (AFTER 2004) dens and difficulties, but in a very Agriculture 12.4 billion euro similar framework. There are many Internal policies 4.0 billion euro things to be solved, and that is bad Administration 2.1 billion euro news. Good news is that you are on Structural funds 39.6 billion euro the right track. After the collapse of TOTAL 58.1 billion euro the communist regime, Bulgarian Socialists Party, former Communist implemented the painful reforms in antee of stability in the country as Party, won first post-communist elec- the educational system. Now we well as the opportunities to develop tions in 1990. The second post-com- have strike of teachers, primary and ourselves with support of a larger munist elections were won by the secondary school and even preschool community, to enter the biggest first democratic government UDF teachers, because of lack of reforms internal market in the world and to Union of Democratic Forces. The first mentioned. That's why I couldn't say work together with our partners - to goal and the first declaration unani- that there is an easy area. Easy look- live in a Europe without borders. mously adopted by the Parliament ing areas are probably difficult And the disadvantages? was the one on Bulgarian NATO because they require national policy. The main disadvantage in my integration and on Bulgarian EU inte- It is much easier to follow the opinion is that the lack of adequate gration. All parties, whether on the European policies, than to create and capacities prevents Bulgaria from par- left or right, maintained complete implement your own. ticipating as an equal player in the consensus over these two issues. It What has changed in Bulgaria policy-making process at the was important to have both - NATO since it became EU member state? European level. It is more of a chal- integration and European Community A lot. The institutions, communi- lenge than a disadvantage, though. integration, because Bulgaria had no cation with the Commission, but We are still building our capacities to democratic tradition and it was maybe the most important thing that participate in the policy making important for Bulgaria to fulfil the has changed in Bulgaria since it process, not only on the national NATO criteria as a guaranty for dem- became EU member state is self- level but on the European level as ocratic development and irreversibili- confidence. Self-confidence has very well. To cooperate, to make coali- ty of democratic reforms. obviously increased among the tions, to create groups, to lobby for What are your recommenda- Bulgarians. Bulgarian national interests and for- tions for Montenegro? Certainly, the investments in mulise them in proper way, is a chal- I think that it will be easier for Bulgaria are much larger now then in lenge, not only for Bulgaria, but for you because you are small country. pre-accession period. all the Central and East European Based on my reading of the Yet, nowadays the politicians countries. Disadvantage is also less Commission Reports, you have no cannot just say: "Let us look at the sovereignty in making national deci- major problems with the EU, but still, Commission Progress Report - what sions, less space for freedom which is my advice for you would be: Have do they say about our ruling parties, limited by freedom of the others. your own vision for development of our capacities…" We now have to How did Bulgaria solve the your country. Make the reforms assess our targets by our selves and problem of a lack of administrative needed not because you want to our selves alone. capacities? please the Brussels bureaucracy, but You mentioned larger invest- We have not solved it yet. The because of yourselves, because the ments in Bulgaria in the post-aacces- solving of this problem is based on development of your country sion period. What are the other several legal acts, such as Law on depends on these reforms. advantages of EU membership? Administration and Law on Civil The main advantage is the guar- Servant Status that ought to improve Paula PETRI^EVI]

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E U R O P E A N P A R L I A M E N T R E S O L U T I O N O N T H E C O N C L U S I O N O F T H E S T A B I L I S A T I O N A N D A S S O C I A T I O N A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N E U A N D M O N T E N E G R O Seize the agreement as an opportunity for reforms

tabilisation and Association Agree- Sment is the first, but important step by Montenegro towards acces- sion to the European Union. Montenegrin authorities ought to assess the prospects for accession in a realistic manner, on the basis not merely of the transposition into national law of Community rules and standards. Such are the recommendations ensuing from a comprehensive Resolution adopted by the European Parliament (EP) upon the proposal by Marcello Vernola, member of the EP Committee for Foreign Relations Resolution was adopted on the 13 the SAA between EU and responsible for Montenegro. The December, alongside ratification of Montenegro, signed on 15 October. Resolution emphasised the need to strengthen the role of the STRENGTHEN THE Parliament and particularly in its STRENGTHEN THE capacity as a scrutinising body, for example in the field of public IINNDDEEPPEENNDDEENNTT MMEEDDIIAA finance. "EP urges the Montenegrin P highlighted the important role which civil society can play in developing Government and Parliament to give Edemocracy and the rule of law by drawing attention to social problems and to sensitive political issues. In this context, they called for stronger safeguards practical effect to the objectives list- and better conditions for civil society actors. ed in Article 80 of the SAA by intro- EP called on the Government to implement reforms in the media laws, in ducing the laws and regulations particular the Law on Media Transparency and Prevention of Media required in order to guarantee the Concentration, in order to allow for greater transparency and prevent media full independence and accountability monopolies in both the printed and electronic media. of the judiciary. The new constitu- "EP urges the Parliament to ensure the independence of the Broadcasting tional provisions regarding res- Council of the Radio Television Montenegro (RTCG), including genuine represen- ponsibility for appointing judges tation of all sections of society, thereby facilitating the full transformation of the reduces Parliament's discretionary RTCG into a professional public broadcasting service. EP believes that it is essen- powers and increases the autonomy tial to strengthen and maintain independent media with balanced reporting", of the judicial self-regulatory body. emphasises the document. It continues to express "strong regrets that there has EP recalls that it is essential that an been no resolution to the case involving the murdered journalist Du{ko Jovanovi}, independent, efficient and corrup- who at the time of his murder was in the process of publishing a series of arti- cles on cigarette smuggling and other forms of organised crime in Montenegro". tion-free judiciary be in place to EP urged the Montenegrin Government to guarantee press freedom and manage the full and irreversible requested an investigation of the aggression suffered in Podgorica on 1 September implementation of the rule of law", 2007 by @eljko Ivanovi}, editor of the independent daily newspaper 'Vijesti'. states the Resolution.

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 9 D o c u m e n t s D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

framework as well as a master plan CCRREEAATTEE AA TTRRAANNSSPPAARREENNTT for coastal protection. EP also urged the Government to make operational the independent bodies responsible BBUUSSIINNEESSSS EENNVVIIRROONNMMEENNTT for ensuring respect for the delicate P notes that Montenegro de facto uses the euro as an official currency and ecological balance in coastal areas in Epoints out that the present use of the euro, decided by the Montenegrin particular, but also in the national authorities in exceptional circumstances, is entirely distinct from Euro zone parks in the interior of the country. membership, warns the document, reminding that in order to join the euro "EP regrets ongoing speculation zone all the criteria defined in the Treaty must be fulfilled, including a high in property and real estate and its degree of sustainable convergence. negative impact on the sustainable "The lack of short- and long-term economic development planning as well development of the country, mainly as the failure to address Montenegro's sizeable 'shadow economy' can be damaging to the successful implementation of the SAA; calls therefore on the due to weak or insufficient control by Montenegrin authorities to make a firmer commitment to employment, one of state and local authorities. EP urges the most severe economic and social problems facing Montenegrin society, and the Montenegrin Government and to pursue economic policies to create an openly competitive and transparent Parliament therefore to implement at business climate", states the Resolution. the earliest opportunity the national law for the protection of the coun- EP urged the Montenegrin Gover- Montenegro's administrative capacity. tryside - particularly in coastal areas nment and the judicial authorities to EP emphasises the importance of - and of waters and the marine envi- provide all the necessary assistance Article 114 of the SAA, which con- ronment, and to implement the mas- and cooperation to the Italian judicial tains a commitment to 'the develop- ter plans for integrated waste man- authorities as regards the conclusion of ment of an efficient and accountable agement and the treatment of waste the inquiry into organised crime and public administration in Montenegro', water, focusing in particular on pro- the smuggling of cigarettes which and urges the Government to adopt moting differentiated waste collection involves prominent Montenegrin the provisions required to ensure in coastal tourist resorts. EP draws politicians (Milo \ukanovi} i Miroslav transparent recruitment and career attention in particular to the delicate Ivani{evi}), in order to enable the issue management within the public ecological balance in Kotor Bay and of an international arrest warrant. administration and to make full use, the urgent need for concerted action "EP urges the Montenegrin with the Commission's support, of to preserve this exceptionally beauti- authorities to complete their investi- the Community assistance and twin- ful natural and architectural heritage", gation of Sreten Glend`a, command- ning instruments for public bodies", states the document. er of the Ulcinj police district, and of states the Resolution. EP warned that foreign direct five other former police officers EP "regrets" the signature of the investment in Montenegro is domi- accused of committing war crimes in agreement between the United States nated by investment in immovable 1992", warns the Resolution. and Montenegro, under which the property and expressed its concern The document emphasises fur- Montenegrins pledge not to hand about the "speculation in land and ther appeals to the Montenegrin over US personnel to the immovable property, which can hard- authorities to adopt and implement International Criminal Court (ICC), in ly be curbed and is liable to result in proactive policies against corruption, return for which the US will provide the whole coast's becoming built up". with a view to improving the efficien- military aid to Montenegro (the so- "EP observes, at the same time, cy of public administration, the fight called Article 98 agreement). EP that building inspections play an against organised crime and the fight recalled that the EU opposes such important part in this and that, in against trafficking in human beings, accords as they undermine the ICC's sensitive areas, moratoriums on arms, cigarettes and drugs, since these authority, and expressed its expecta- building should be considered. are preconditions for further integra- tions that Montenegro will take into "EP is concerned about the lack tion into the European Union. account the EU stance on this mat- of transparency and the culture of "EP calls on the Montenegrin ter and adopt appropriate measures. monopolies within both political and authorities to seize the signing of the EP stressed the capital impor- economic structures which are hin- agreement as an opportunity to pur- tance of development of environ- dering Montenegro's development as sue vigorously reforms in areas such mentally sustainable tourism for a democratic free market society", as the rule of law, fighting organised Montenegro's economic future, states the message from Strasbourg. crime and corruption, strengthening insisting on the need to adopt a border controls, and increasing coherent environmental legislative N.R.-VV.[.

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M A Y F I R S T T E N S I O N S B E T W E E N P O D G O R I C A A N D M O N T E N E G R O U N D E R M I N E C R E D I B I L I T Y O F T H E G O V E R N M E N T O F M O N T E N E G R O The waning honeymoon

s the Government of Montenegro still a cred- I

ible partner? Can we believe its promises of T S

I E J I

upcoming reforms in line with EU standards in V

o order to make Montenegro eligible for EU t o h membership by 2012? Are they ready to work p hard, to be responsible and value suggestions coming from Brussels? Will they be committed to the implementation of Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA)? Such questions are triggered by the Government's decision to ignore the warnings of EU representatives to wait for the comments from Brussels before adopting its Strategy for energy development. The Strategy was appro- ved by the Council for sustainable development in mid-December, and was adopted by the Government a few days later. In vain was the insistence of Clive Rumbold, the acting head of From the session of the Council for Sustainable Development the European Commission (EC) Delegation in Podgorica to delay the decision and submit an Deputy PM is right: SAA has not come Commission has been already informed of the English translation of the Strategy to EC in order into force and formally the Government has various stages of the long-term process of the to receive an expert opinion on this important absolutely no commitment towards Brussels. creation of Montenegrin Strategy for energy strategic document. Rumbold quoted Article However, if our Parliament has already ratified development. 109 of the SAA, signed by Montenegro and EU on the 15 October, explaining that the SAA has not come into force and formally the Government has no Government is obliged to share this document with EU before adopting it. commitment towards Brussels. However, as our Parliament has Article 109 of the SAA states that coop- already ratified the SAA, it would mean that the agreement is now eration between EU and Montenegro "can de facto a part of our national legislation, and that it was substan- comprise: formulation and planning of the tially violated less than two months after it has been signed energy policy..." SAA will come into force in a few years, once it is ratified by the European Parliament the SAA, it would mean that the agreement is \urovi} also emphasised that she expects and all 27 EU members, but the Parliament of now de facto a part of our national legislation, EC to show understanding for the Montenegro has already adopted the docu- and that it was substantially violated less than Government's decision to adopt the strategy. ment. two months after it has been signed. She received the response a week later, in a Deputy PM for European Integrations, So what lies behind this hasty decision of somewhat unusual form. The unprecedented Prof Dr Gordana \urovi}, was categorical: the Government? Perhaps the fact that on 1 refusal of the EU and UN representatives to "There is no need to consider an SAA which January 2008 a law will come into force man- attend the 21 December meeting of the has not come into force". dating that no strategic document can be Council for sustainable development because they once again did not receive the translation [turanovi}'s government can be faulted either with too little regard of the Spatial plan in advance, and because their suggestions were again ignored, seems to for sustainable development that was allegedly its public credo suggest that understanding will not be forth- thus far, or alternatively with hasty, off the cuff decisions coming if there is no understanding for their own demands from the other side. She explains that the Article 109 is not adopted until its potential impact on the envi- Will the EU be more explicit in "med- the part of the Interim Agreement which comes ronment has been assessed. And no strategic dling" in the business of [turanovi}'s cabinet? It into force on 1 January 2008, which contains objects can be built without the adequate envi- remains to be seen, but should be obvious some 80% of the SAA content and envisages a ronmental evaluation. In this context, [tura- from the reactions of the officials of European gradual implementation of a free trade area nov}'s government can be faulted either with Commission, the latter being the de facto gov- between EU and Montenegro. too little regard for sustainable development ernment of European Union and thus directly "SAA will take a minimum of another 18 that was allegedly its public credo thus far, or responsible for the relations with the potential months to come into force, but our praxis so with hasty, off the cuff decisions. candidate countries. Clive Rumbold's protest far has been to strengthen our cooperation with Deputy PM \urovi} claims that our signals that the honeymoon is over and that EU institutions in this and other policy areas... Government, like the other European govern- from now on the Brussels may expect to see Montenegro is perfectly ready to cooperate ments, needs to balance between economic some hard work instead of pretty words. with EC in this area too, as we have done so development and the protection of the envi- far", \urovi} said. ronment, and adds that the European N.R.

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 11 E u r o p e a n b a r o m e t e r i n M o n t e n e g r o D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7 Standard beliefs in three motions

by Brano Mandi} pening a la Turca: A member of Othe Brussels' Government, first moustache of the Montenegrin diplo- macy (standardly believed to be called Milan, surnamed Ro}en), without a hint of embarrassment, speaks. Before dis- tinguished guests, with a long-necked champagne glass in his right, Ro}en is dazzling, reminiscent of a hero from the memorable Turkish love stories. As a reminder, this was the cine- matic sub-genre that helped our housewives weep through the late 80s. Ro}en's appearance thus probably throws them into a nostalgic yearning and the days of yore when they dreamed not that their neighbours will suddenly turn into Turks for deporta- tion, the odious minority whose mem- bers enjoy burying rifles in meadows. Wisely, then, in line with his Take-Me-Mustafa image, Ro}en and yet with Homeric exaltation, he customs they did not pay a visit to the chooses a soap for the genre. An summons the muse of European Big Boss. To make the diplomatic gaff equivalent of Shakespeare's "Hellas!" Union to his aid. Which is a problem, a scandal, they also spoke about him. and "aman" in Bosnian love ballads if the word can be applied to this Outrageous. One member, goes by quivers under the charming mous- thoroughbred parlour tabby. the conspiratory, populist surname tache while he purrs about the unex- It did force him to leave his Swoboda (named Hannes) at an event pected, undeserved (and thus all the behind the scenes-cabinet-uphol- in the Rotten West known as panel more poisonous) arrows from the stered pose and burst at the public. discussion gave flatly his own opinion direction of our European friends. Tortured by a standard belief. regarding the presidential elections (N.B. the same conceited hair-splitters Europe, says Minister Milan, and the president of DPS. The com- who are forever banning Turkey from ought to help him and his fellow edy was then transferred to the their company, aman!) foremen, for the people must be Parliament where Svoboda could not Like our housewives could not saved from the shackles of a standard find Duke, even if he wanted to per- have known that the Turkish love sto- belief that Montenegro is a hotbed of sonally advise him on emergency ries were but a highly stylised intro- corruption and organised crime. brake ahead of elections. The media duction to postponed orgasms of Those are words powerful and fatal was up in the arms by then, ready for endless Latin American series where and must be proven, as Ro}en knows any outrage just to cook up an affair at least one hero or heroine is, like well, so he chooses the only logical and slander about. Shameless people. Ro}en, always suffering form amnesia, solution: It is the fault of Belgrade and The counterattack of the empire so the popular minister could not of the late Milo{evi} who threw the was quick enough, for the Leader have guessed that the European evil seed that bred anti-European spoke from the mythical place, at the Parliament would pull out a resolution pests in Montenegro. foot of Lov}en, from the riverbed of to teach a lesson to his political Zeus. the beatified Ivan Crnojevi} and quite Ro}en is shocked & awed, we Hannes' gambit logically, in the Christian spirit, offered see him in front of the cameras European MPs came to defend fritters to the distinguished guest. Tall catching his breath for the Big Truth. their resolution in the middle of as he is, before a sheaf of micro- As if peyote was churning in his glass, Podgorica but contrary to the standard phones, Duke folded his arms and

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 12 E u r o p e a n b a r o m e t e r i n M o n t e n e g r o D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

darkness, as a role model proving that pensions can be paid regularly, along- side Ukrainian powder milk. It is a wonder that the Inter- national League of Humanists has remained silent, or that the agile Charles Mersienka failed to address a brusque demarche to the European parliament, postmark Alabama.

Sicilian closure In the end, let us return to Mr Ro}en who half a year ago cheered the Montenegrin prosecution: show that weakling of Giuseppe Chelsi how to do the job! Although still recover- ing from the sudden loss of Vesna sharply told that some "comrade with their hands in their pockets, so Medenica, the prosecution could eas- Hannes" to come by for fritters or get they launch a certain Mr Roman Jaki~ ily untie the knot, being independent lost. to ease their minds over the disastrous and free of political influence. Police Wisely, for the word of a poor Resolution, an alleged member of the too. This is how the terrible news European MPs is worth as much as of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council could go: our own here. European policy takes of Europe. Google Jaki~ instead of "In a spectacular action, as much stock of the EMPs as the Br~i} and you will find that Mr Montenegrin police arrested yesterday Montenegrin tycoons of the local Roman has long abandoned European the president of the Democratic Party ones. Their resolution can at most be politics and works for the city govern- of Socialists Milo \ukanovi} based on a "patrol ahead of patrols...", to use ment of Ljubljana. Without a fault of a warrant accusing him of mafia activ- the ^etnik metaphor, and the real his own, a municipal civil servant of a ities and organised crime. \ukanovi} reproaches & recommendations from friendly neighbouring country under a was arrested in the cafe Gland in Brussels are yet to come. false title strikes a counter-attack in Podgorica, while he was drinking his Which is no secret for Duke, the the prime time, which RTCG2, always tea and resting from politics. The offi- master of mentalities, so he can afford intent on investigative approach, duly cial communication from the Police a rowdy rap on the knuckles of some providing him with 3 minutes in the directory states that during the arrest dude with glasses and a colourful evening news to explain everything. \ukanovi} shouted "let me go, mer- shawl, who is so minor that he let a The public was united: Europe cenaries", but he did not resist nor did woman lead his delegation, and then has come again to sell us its brains he cite his immunity as an MP. allows himself wisecracks about Italian like in the nineties, to force its own Montenegrin police is familiar investigations... standard beliefs down our throats. with \ukanovi} from before, as a All the primping and foxing in Ambassadors are meddling and person whose portrait was exhibited front of the cameras with Ministers scheming around the country, blab- in various public institutions, such as taking pictures with their European bering about spider nets of corrup- the canteen of the Police High School friends are now past, the Razor is rid- tion, as if we did not know that the in Danilovgrad. Eyewitnesses claim ing again, this time unfortunately whole story of cigarette smuggling was that one policeman grew nauseated challenged by such unworthy oppo- a product of the dark Belgrade during the action, the explanation nent whom he can tell off in passing, kitchens. being a typical Pavlov reflex of a sud- in between two bites from the open- There were no urban killers den feeling of hunger caused by the ing of some Cetinje motel. We shall strolling down the city wrapped in memories of the abundant high- not go into Europe on our knees, golden chains with Kalashnikovs over school meals brought to him by the thunders the master of transition to their shanks, there were no Italian image of the suspect. The Gland staff the voting congregation choosing tourists cautiously gathering at one immediately came to the rescue of unmistakeably the moment: when the minute's walk from the main police the helpless youth. Having eaten two public is thoroughly fed up with inte- station, no speed boats, nobody died fritters, he felt a little better. grations and the fatally boring TV on the streets under Rumija…in a news. word, Montenegro stood like a torch The author is a journalist of the A propos, the media will not sit of freedom warding off the Balkan daily newspaper "Vijesti"

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 13 S o c i e t y D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

R E G A R D I N G P E R S O N S W I T H S P E C I A L N E E D S , M O N T E N E G R O L A G S F A R B E H I N D T H E E U S T A N D A R D S A N D O F A L L T H E C O U N T R I E S I N T H E R E G I O N Equal opportunities hidden in the Government's drawers

key Directorate General (DG) indi- Group focuses on the Resolution rectly involved in the affairs relevant adopted in 1996 by the Council of for the persons with special needs is Europe. the DG Employment, Social Affairs One of the key EU policies and Equal Opportunities. This DG regarding the persons with special was the most active in the drafting needs is the employment policies, of the Strategy and Action Plan for created though the European by Emil Krije{torac the persons with special needs. EC Employment Strategy, whose starting hile considerations of the also founded a high level Group for point is the new attitude towards Wissues relevant for the persons persons with special needs consist- employment, as defined by the with special needs feature in all ing of experts from various member Treaty of Amsterdam (2001/C important areas in the domain of states. 80/10). The focus is especially on European policies, such persons in The main task of the Group is the anti-discrimination policies in Montenegro lack the adequate legal to monitor and control member the labour market, in the workplace protection. In terms of legislative states' policies and priorities which and in training. Especially important solutions, Montenegro is lagging have an impact on the persons with in this context are the two anti-dis- behind all the former Yugoslav special needs; they collect informa- crimination directives adopted by republics, as well as Albania. All tion and experience and provide the European Council: Directive these countries have already adopt- counselling services to the 2000/43/EC regarding employment, ed laws on professional rehabilita- Commission and all relevant users training, education, social security, tion and employment of the persons on the European continent. The health protection, housing, access with special needs, Macedonia in particular, whose law, adopted 13 A valuable move is the Government's Strategy for integration of the years ago is an encouraging exam- persons with special needs in Montenegro, which came into force ple of good practice. It is estimated on the 30 November 2007 - provided that the document is ever that Montenegro has up to 60.000 implemented persons with various special needs. The basic act governing the A SPECIAL LOBBY GROUP IN EP treatment of the persons with spe- A SPECIAL LOBBY GROUP IN EP cial needs in EU is the European uropean parliament is especially active in this area, and many committees Social Charter, guaranteeing their Eare working on issues related to the persons with special needs. There is rights to independence, social inte- also an Intergroup of MPs for the persons with special needs, established in gration and participation in the the 1980 as an all-party group with no formal competences but the fact that community. In the EU, the European it involves 40 MPs makes it a relevant player in every decision which regards Commission is most active in this persons with special needs. Among the successful activities of the group were area, through the activities of most various amendments on EU laws, which strengthen the accessibility criteria in various areas. They also contributed to the creation of various EU directive, of its directorates, directly or indi- e.g. directive on busses and other means of transport, public procurement, rectly. Employment and social affairs, telecommunications...Interestingly, the Parliament of Macedonia has a similar education, human rights, public group, under the name of Inter-party lobby group for human rights of the per- procurement, transport, tourism are sons with special needs (IPPLG), which is operational since 19 May 2003. only some of the related areas. The

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 14 S o c i e t y D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7 to services, goods and property, and a Declaration on the rights of per- Directive 2000/78/EC defining sons with special needs, hoping to direct and indirect discrimination in establish clear guidelines on the the context of employment, profes- duties and responsibilities of all sional orientation and rehabilitation. public institutions towards the per- These two directives are of undeni- sons with special needs. The docu- able importance for the improve- ment was drafted by a Working ment of the quality of protection group formed by the Executive against discrimination in all EU board of the People's Party, which countries. The very directives man- already drafted one model Law dated certain changes in the legisla- against discrimination of persons tive systems of EU member states, with special needs. even in those countries whose leg- As usual, 3 December, the Day islation already included anti-dis- of Persons with special needs, was crimination provisions. another attempt of numerous Focusing on the relative posi- organisations in Montenegro to tion of this segment of the popula- no access facilities for the persons draw attention to this problem. tion and their inclusion in all social with special needs. The current During the visit to the President of spheres, according to the millenni- Montenegrin legislative contains Montenegro, it was emphasised that um development goals, aware of only one lex specialis, the law on "persons with special needs in the fact that persons with special education of the children with spe- Montenegro do not enjoy right to needs constitute 10% of the poor, cial needs. The existing Council for adequate social protection, social EU is consistent in implementing its the care of persons with special security, work, freedom in choosing Strategy and Action plan for the needs consisting of the representa- profession, just working conditions persons with special needs. Also tives of the government and the and adequate compensation, insur- important in this context is the civil sector should not remain just a ance in the case of unemployment, decision of the European Union to good intention - it ought to take up old age and lack of adequate living declare 2003 the year of persons the initiative in drafting new regu- conditions..." They emphasised that with special needs, which had "rev- lations regarding the development there is no equal treatment with olutionary" effects in this area. and improvement of the rights of respect to participation in the cul- On its road to European inte- the persons with special needs. A tural, scientific, educational, politi- grations, Montenegro should not valuable step in this direction is the cal and other forms of social life". wait for a warning to implement the Government Strategy for integration There are some 600 million standards regarding the persons of the persons with special needs in persons with special needs world- with special needs, which have Montenegro, which came into force wide, which led the UN General been clearly established by on the 30 November 2007 - pro- Assembly to adopt Standard rules European policies. Instead, we vided that the document is really for equalisation of opportunities for should initiate on our own a more implemented, for the quality of the the persons with special needs. Although the Rules are not legally There are some 600 million persons with special needs worldwide, binding, more than 50 countries which led the UN General Assembly to adopt Standard rules for have already incorporated them in equalisation of opportunities for the persons with special needs their national legislation. The first legally binding agreement regarding quality approach and treatment of document as such is undisputed. the persons with special needs the persons with special needs - It sounds incredible that for adopted under the auspices of UN not through declaratory and rhetor- more than three years already, the is the International convention on ical support, but through concrete prepared draft law on the protec- the rights of persons with special action and legislative changes. tion of persons with special needs needs, adopted in December 2006. This would entail numerous has been on a shuttle between the changes of the existing legislative Government and the Parliament of The author is participant of IV acts, one of which is the law on Montenegro and has not yet generation of the European construction: In Podgorica alone, reached the agenda. In the mean- Integrations School. He is a high 97% of the recent buildings have time, SPP presented its own draft of official of the People's Party

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 15 V i e w s D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

C L I V E R U M B O L D , T H E A C T I N G H E A D O F T H E E U R O P E A N C O M M I S S I O N ( E C ) D E L E G A T I O N I N P O D G O R I C A People have to understand what is really going on I

he pre-accession process is very impor- T tation and readmission). This is a firm S E J tant and both Montenegro and EU I framework for further progress towards EU, V

T o t

have a great deal of responsibility in com- o but your problem is the general lack of h municating this process to the national p capacities - legal, administrative and polit- public. Many people will need assistance ical capacities. By signing the SAA, the to understand what Is really going on - state has made a commitment to reform what commitments did their country take itself in many areas, and that requires up, what is necessary to fulfil them and decisions and laws - which in their turn what the whole process looks like, says need capacities for implementation", Clive Rumbold, the acting Head of the Rumbold explained. European Commission (EC) in Podgorica. According to him, in addition to the Rumbold came to Montenegro two need to strengthen institutions, the priority months ago. Prior to that, he was serving challenge for Montenegro is to foster the in the EC headquarters in Brussels, work- rule of law. ing on the accession processes of Poland, "We are speaking about legal reforms, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Bosnia fight against corruption and observance of and Herzegovina and Albania. At the laws. Montenegro is currently experiencing moment, Rumbold is a charg d'affaires Clive Rumbold an economic boom, which is a good start. until the permanent head of EC Delegation The challenge is, however, to maintain to Montenegro is appointed in spring keep in contact with all of them, but all these high levels of economic growth. It 2008. actors in Montenegro ought to work will not happen automatically", Rumbold Rumbold warns that Montenegro's together in order to reach agreements on said. key responsibility now is to fulfil the SAA important decisions. Both the Government The acting head of EC Delegation and Interim Agreement commitments and and the opposition should work together, emphasises that the purpose of free trade, to establish a credible monitoring mecha- nism for their implementation. In order to make further progress towards EU, you must show con- "In order to make further progress crete results. The speed of your progress towards EU will depend towards EU, you must show concrete on the pace of reforms on the ground. Everything begins here results. The speed of your progress towards EU will depend on the pace of reforms on in the interest of the nation, to bring the which will start coming into force on 1 the ground. Everything begins here", country forward", Rumbold said. January 2008 as a part of the Interim Rumbold explained. Answering the question on the differ- Agreement is to bring benefits to both He emphasised that Montenegro has ences between SAA negotiations and EU sides and foster mutual economic growth. signed the Stabilisation and Association membership negotiations, as in the case of "It is an opportunity for the Montenegrin Agreement (SAA), which is a bold political Croatia at this very moment, he explains economy. There are always things that can and legal commitment to fight organised that the key difference is in the compre- be improved in order to make it more crime and corruption and strengthen the hensiveness of negotiations. competitive. Transparency is the key word, rule of law. "SAA is an agreement on association, as well as simplifying the process of grant- "This is a clear statement of political not membership. SAA enables free trade ing licences for business. In order to cap- will...Montenegro needs a strong system to and obliges Montenegro to implement italise on the advantages of SAA, you protect it against corruption", Rumbold legal harmonisation of its legislation with should also strengthen the trade conces- sions. All that requires adequate legislation Montenegro is currently experiencing an economic boom, which is and administrative capacities of those who a good start. The challenge is, however, to maintain these high lev- work on the implementation of standards els of economic growth. It will not happen automatically and product control, including phytosani- tary conditions of animal products and said. EU regulations in some key areas", food. Trade between EU and Montenegro He adds that European Commission Rumbold explains, adding that in the case is opening up, but more progress is need- Delegation in Podgorica is an ally of of membership negotiations all chapters of ed in order to diversify Montenegrin prod- Montenegro. Acquis communautaire are on table. ucts and make them more competitive, "We are leading an open dialogue "Montenegro has recently ratified a Rumbold emphasised. with the authorities, opposition, civil soci- package of agreements (SAA, Interim ety...all partners are welcome. We will Agreement and Agreements on visa facili- N.R.

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O N T H E E V E O F S L O V E N I A N E U P R E S I D E N C Y , T H E S T A G E E R U P T S I N C L A S H E S O V E R T H E F U T U R E E N L A R G E M E N T P L A N S Slovenia challenges the French

t a recent meeting in Brussels, political guidance by endorsing the AIgor Sen~ar, Slovenian ambas- proposals - and set a timeline for sador to the EU, said that talks their adoption. This will give a paving the way for the EU to fur- clear signal to industry and con- ther expand beyond its current 27 sumers", he explained members would be one of the pri- Other issues on which Slovenia orities of its upcoming presidency. will concentrate include full liber- The policy flies in the face of alisation of the energy markets and the vision of Europe's future pushing for stability in the west favoured by French president Balkans which he described as an Nicolas Sarkozy. He has cautioned "unfinished story." against further enlargement, partic- "The most pressing issue is ularly the moves to include Turkey security in Kosovo but we also in the EU. should not let Serbia slide into the But Sen~ar, outlining Slovenia's past," said Sen~ar, who is experi- presidency priorities to a 450- enced in EU affairs and has been strong audience, said he hopes Slovenia's ambassador to the EU accession negotiations with both Ljubljana since August 2005. Turkey and Croatia can be "Stability in the region is of advanced in the six months of its 2008. interest to us all and it is important term at the head of the EU. Turning to other priorities, the EU takes a lead", emphasised "The EU's borders should Sen~ar said Slovenia will be look- Sen~ar . remain open and we strongly sup- ing to member states to approve According to him, the renewed port further EU enlargement. the commission's upcoming legisla- Lisbon agenda for jobs and growth During our presidency, we expect to press ahead with some of the The EU's borders must remain open: Slovenia strongly supports remaining accessions chapters", further EU enlargement. During our presidency, we expect to press Sen~ar said. ahead in closing the remaining accessions chapters with the pres- One European parliamentary ent candidates", said Slovenian ambassador in Brussels insider, who attended the briefing, said, "This policy puts the country tive package on measures needed and intercultural dialogue are other which will take charge of the EU to tackle climate change. priorities. for the next six months on a direct "Our presidency will have spe- Slovenia is the first of the new collision course with one of the cial focus on this issue and, after member states which joined the EU in 2004 to assume the presi- Lasting stability in the West Balkan region is still an unfinished dency. Assuming the reform treaty story. The most pressing issue is security in Kosovo but we also is ratified, it will also be one of the should not let Serbia slide into the past, warn Slovenians last of the six-month rotating pres- idencies. bloc's most important players." next month's Bali conference on Slovenia takes over the presi- climate change, I hope the V. []EPANOVI] dency from Portugal on 1 January European council will give strong, N. RUDOVI]

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 17 F r o m m y p o i n t o f v i e w D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7 Why do I want to be a citizen of Europe?

But why would I want to be a work even harder in order to survive citizen of Europe? Because I have the next one. To have my friends dreams! Because I have goals, unful- from Spain, Germany, Portugal who filled desires, and a will to fulfil studied with me come to visit me them! But I fear this is not enough, during the summer, to see the beau- because I lack the means. How to ties of Montenegro - a friendship free make your dreams come true in a of all barriers. I want to be able to society where dreams mean nothing, travel, to see all the famous places and the material possessions every- around Europe, to return to my roots. thing. We have lost much in the last To be in London today, in Paris by Bisera Turkovi} 20-30 years, and worse yet - we tomorrow and the day after in have lost the moral values. Our soci- Madrid, not to be asked to take my his is Balkans. Bajaga said so long ety is in a state of moral degradation, shoes off at every border crossing and Ttime ago. This short and simple the values are ever less important, be searched until I feel like a Taliban sentence says so much, and everything and morality has become a fuzzy on JFK. it denotes is bathed in negative light. notion. Sometimes it seems as if our I look forward to joining the EU, Balkans - that always meant some- children were studying Machiavelli at because I want to try my high school thing savage, barbarian, uncivilised. school, as if their parents would be French in France. To ask a charming We ourselves would say to each other reading it to them as a bed time French guy where to find the begin- "you are such a Balkan person", story. As if they knew, right from their ning of the queue for the Louvres, or meaning offence, and we divide the early youth, that ends justify all the Notre-Dames, or the Church of people into Balkanoids and those with a "European outlook". When you say Some would say: "Look at Norway, or Switzerland, or Iceland, they that you come from the Balkans in the did not want to be in the EU, we do not have to either!". And I say West, they hear a terrorist, and you we do have to, even if we were to discover tomorrow a bottomless soon find yourself in need of explain- oil well in the Adriatic, we would still need the European Union. ing that the wars are now really over. Why? To re-eeducate us! Although I am not so sure that they are. Now we wage different wars, means. This is only natural in an oli- the Sacred Heart and laugh at myself without weapons, we fight with our garchic society where a huge major- when I realise that I cannot make the words, we raise our voices - we even ity can barely make ends meet. This head or tail of his answer after 10 try to wield the law as a weapon, but moral corruption breeds all other years of studying French, for he this "rifle" often remains silent. problems, in the guise of corruption, speaks at a hundred miles per hour. On the other hand, if you ever tolerance to crime and violation of I would like to ask one painter at the in the West, in Europe or the US, tell human rights. walkway by the Seine to make me a an ordinary person that you come Why do I want to be a citizen of portrait with the Tour Eiffel in the from Montenegro, they will give you Europe? Because I want Europe on background. I recently saw the "View a blank look, probably wondering my palm, the world on my palm. from the Eiffel Tower", a film by our whether Montenegro is an African Because I want to study at prestigious young director Nikola Vuk~evi}, tribe or a mountain in Siberia. That European universities, to research in which is a faithful portrait of the is, if we assume that the person is the famous European centres, and, decadence of our society and of a really a foreigner and not one of our why not, to have a decent reward for young man's dreams of a better own, who ran way from home long my work. To be able to, like my future. And I was angered at the time ago. Whichever of the two peers in Europe, reward myself for a thought of all those young people associations may be their first choice, year of hard work by travelling in from our countries who have we earned it. Europe and around the world, not to dreamed of a view from the Eiffel

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Tower and were never able to expe- rience it. London is another of my dreams, a collage of illustrations from maga- zines and TV pictures. One day I would like to feel that cold British spirit, and to walk by the Buckingham palace with an umbrella in my hand. To sail down the Themes under the bridges of London, to pat the serious, reserved Brit on my side, and smile at his confusion when I tell him: "You know, in Montenegro our rivers are green". Even if they are not green then, which is not to be ruled out, given the circumstances. And he may even know when Montenegro is. All the young people of Mon- tenegro should have such opportuni- institutions, patriarchal understand- about it". ties, equal for all, to live in a country ings and behaviours. We should I am not idealising the European where success depends only on per- teach people to work in science, Union, far from that, nor do I say sonal qualities, not on your ancestors research, culture, sports, and leave that it will solve all of our problems all the way down the male line. The the daily politics to those whose job forever, because there are problems young are not the only ones who can it is and who can be held account- in the European Union too. enjoy the advantages of Euro- able for it. Somehow, though, I believe it is eas- peanisation. The elderly could also Montenegro is small, and if this ier to fight those problems together enjoy their old age in dignity, after a is considered to be an advantage in with another 500 million of people, lifetime of hard work, and like their the integration process, it is also a instead of struggling with a handful of European counterparts (whom you disadvantage. A disadvantage because like-minded people in an environ- recognise in Budva by their cheese- the country is not managed as a ment where your voice disappears white shins) visit all the places that they missed in their youth. I want the people in Montenegro to forget about their loyalty to Some would say: "Look at this or that party, and to remove from office those who are not Norway, or Switzerland, or Iceland, doing their job well. To value the results, not personalities. To be they did not want to be in the EU, free to criticise the problems, to be able to go to these same insti- we do not have to either!". And I say tutions that were the targets of their constructive criticism and ask we do have to, even if we were to for a job, without fears of failure discover tomorrow a bottomless oil well in the Adriatic, we would still household. I want the people in like in a vacuum. need the European Union. Why? To Montenegro to forget about their loy- One citizen of Europe told us: re-educate us! To make all this come alty to this or that party, and to "You are already simulating European true, we will have to recognise all our remove from office those who are processes!". And I say: it is not only shortcomings, and to admit them. All not doing their job well. To value the the case with our institutions, but also criticism should be taken just like results, not personalities. To be free for the rest of us. We are European that, not like a personal attack, an to criticise the problems, to be able and we have something "European" attack on the state and the authori- to go to these same institutions that deep inside us, all we need is a little ties, or a world conspiracy by the CIA were the targets of their constructive practice. Let us start thinking and local mercenaries. criticism and ask for a job, without European, behaving European, and we Things should change because fears of failure. I want the citizens of will soon become citizens of Europe! we are aware that they are not going my Montenegro to walk peacefully well, not because somebody in out into the streets when the price of Author is the participant of the Brussels asked us to change them. electricity raises for 1%, to show that VI generation of the European And the awareness is the most diffi- this cannot pass, instead of shrugging Integration School and a student of cult to change. In order to join EU, their shoulders when the bills jump the Faculty of Administrative and we ought to destroy our traditionalist 20%, saying: "I cannot do anything European Studies in Podgorica

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 19 E U a f f a i r s D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

C O M M O N A G R I C U L T U R A L P O L I C Y R E F O R M : C O M M I S S I O N E Y E S S U B S I D Y C U T S F O R B I G F A R M S An end to waste and overproduction

uropean Commission has presented Ea series of reform recommendations designed to modernise the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A tighter subsidy regime and a greater shift of funds from direct payments to rural development support are among the proposals on the table. What is the core of CAP, which was launched already in 1957 upon insistence of France? In short, if the price of agricultural products in the EU drops below a certain minimum, the EU would step in to buy as much of the surplus as is necessary to push the prices up. Keeping the prices always above the world market prices, Europe constantly had its agricultural prices above the prices in the rest of the world for the same good, which was cators such as land size rather than Fischer Boel, EU commissioner for necessary to maintain productivity in production volume. Cross-compliance agriculture and rural development. many agricultural sectors with high measures, whereby farmers are The proposals are non-legislative, production costs. required to meet certain environmen- but set the stage for discussion and High prices in the EU are, how- tal, food safety and animal welfare deliberation in advance of formal leg- ever, problematic for the export-mind- ed farmers, with the consequence that High prices in the EU are, however, problematic for the export- Brussels agrees to replace the differ- minded farmers, with the consequence that Brussels agrees to ence to individual producers between replace the difference to individual producers between the world the world market price of the good market price of the good and the price of it in the EU and the price of it in the EU. The EU being a massive buyer of agricultural standards, were also introduced as a islative proposals expected in the products, it had to preserve all these pre-condition for receiving payments spring of 2008. products until it manages to return under the SPS. Dubbed a "blueprint for streamlin- them on the market. At the peak of In addition to cuts in intervention ing and further modernising" the CAP, this policy, the EU spent 17% of the prices for several sectors, the reforms the health check builds on the 2003 CAP budget on the reserves of its also featured a shift or so-called 'mod- round of reforms by proposing an famous "hills" of butter and "lakes" of ulation' in monies from the first "pillar" extension of de-coupling requirements milk and wine. of the CAP (direct aids and market to virtually all agricultural sectors. The last round of CAP reform support) to its "second pillar", rural Farmers with sizeable land hold- efforts was launched in 2003 and fea- development. This measure was pre- ings who receive large payouts would tured a 'decoupling' of agricultural sented as an instrument to "green" the also face significant subsidy cuts under production from subsidy payments in CAP, which accounts for over 40% of the plans: 10% cuts for payments order to prevent over-production and the EU budget. above € 100,000; 25% cuts for pay- waste. The EC's long-awaited reform ments above € 200,000; 45% cuts for The new system involves a Single plans for the CAP, also known as the payments above € 300,000. Payment Scheme (SPS), in which sub- 'health check', were presented in Landowners in Germany, the UK sidies are allocated according to indi- Brussels on 20 November by Mariann and the Czech Republic would be par-

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for further reforms in the post-2012 period, will be adopted by the HHEEAALLTTHHYY FFOOOODD AANNDD Agriculture Council under the French EU Presidency before the end of 2008. Most MEPs in Parliament's PPRREETTTTYY LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPEESS Agriculture Committee "broadly wel- comed" the plans but warned against ow can we make market support instruments still more relevant in a budget cuts. European Union of 27 Member States and a world that is more and more H MEP Lutz Goepel, agriculture globalised? spokesman for the EPP-ED group, rec- I believe the CAP is basically in good shape, but let's remember that we expect the CAP to work very hard for the good of the European Union, in so ommends a "'progressive modulation' many ways. (reduction) of direct payments of one A safe food supply; a beautiful countryside; a competitive farming sector; percent from € 10,000 up to a maxi- lively rural communities: you will find all of these things in the CAP's job mum of four percent for payments description. from € 300,000". The CAP will continue to work hard to help give us these things. But it Socialist MEP Luis Manuel must also work as effectively as possible - and sometimes sharpen up its meth- Capoulas Santos said his group is for "a ods, said Mariann Fischer Boel at the presentation of the "health check" in the greener and more competitive European Parliament. European agriculture, one which is open to the world but regulated, with ticularly affected by the plans. France's Commission wants to abolish set-asides strong social, environmental and food large agricultural sector will also be sig- entirely for a period of one year, to let safety rules, one which shows solidari- nificantly affected by the plans, but farmers grow more cereal in response ty with developing countries and can French President Nicolas Sarkozy to increased demand and rising food take up the challenge of biofuels". recently announced his commitment to prices. COPA-COGECA, Brussel's largest reforming the sector. But the EU executive remains agricultural lobby, welcomed the Under the current system, farmers vague about environmental safeguard Commission's intention to simplify or landowners engaged in agricultural activity who own more than 0.3 Landowners in Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic would hectares are eligible for CAP subsidies. be particularly affected by the plans. France's large agricultural The Commission wants to raise the sector will also be significantly affected by the plans, but French thresholds - potentially to above one President Nicolas Sarkozy recently announced his commitment to hectare - in order to reduce the risk of reforming the sector fraud by 'pseudo farmers'. "If you keep one goat in your alternatives to the set-asides, and is CAP-related bureaucracy but is "very backyard you are not a real farmer," looking for input during the upcoming concerned about any further cuts in Fischer Boel told journalists in Brussels discussions. farmers' direct payments", and is call- on 20 November. One possibility, according to the ing for "a period of stability" rather than More extensive modulation also EC's agriculture spokesperson Michael further CAP reforms in order to adjust features in the plans: by 2015, the Mann, would be to use the increasing to increasing volatility on world food Commission wants to gradually shift amount of funds modulated from the markets, the organisation said in a 13% of direct aid to the Rural direct payments towards environmen- press statement. Development Fund, up from its current tal purposes. Another possibility is a The European Environment level of 5%. voluntary scheme whereby farmers Bureau (EEB), however, argued that the Water management plans and would protect land next to key water- Commission is maintaining the status other climate change-related measures ways, Mann suggested. quo and criticised it for not tabling a should be added to cross-compliance The CAP budget for the period more ambitious reform proposal that requirements as part of the health beyond 2012 will be discussed in includes "an evaluation of the effec- check, which calls for an end to 'set- 2008-2009, but the health check "in tiveness of the cross-compliance sys- asides', meaning land which farmers no way" prejudges the outcome of the tem for protecting the environment, are required to leave fallow in order to budget talks, according to the rather than focussing only on simplify- protect natural environments and Commission. ing the system". species. The EC hopes the health check Currently, 10% of EU agricultural reforms, which would apply to the N. RUDOVI] land must be set aside. The period 2009-2012 and pave the way V. []EPANOVI]

E I C B u l l e t i n N o 2 7 21 G e t t i n g a c q u a i n t e d w i t h E u r o p e a n U n i o n D e c e m b e r , 2 0 0 7

A G U I D E T O W O R D S A N D E X P R E S S I O N S NON - GOVERNMENTAL F R E Q U E N T L Y U S E D B Y T H E P E O P L E W H O A R E ORGANISATIONS P R O F E S S I O N A L L Y D E A L I N G W I T H E U I N T E G R A T I O N IN EUROPEAN UNION

CENTRE FOR Eurojargon EUROPEAN POLICY STUDIES (CEPS) ble institutions guaranteeing democracy, STUDIES (CEPS) the rule of law, human rights and EPS is founded in Brussels in 1983 and today respect for minorities. Second, it must Crepresents one of the most experienced and authoritative think tanks operating in the EU. have a functioning market economy. CEPS serves as a forum for debate and find- Third, it must take on board all the ing solutions concerning various issues of the EU acquis and support the various aims of functioning. This organization is distinguished from the others for its strong in-house research capacity, the European Union. In addition, it complemented by an extensive network of partner eople within the EU institutions and must have a public administration capa- institutes in Europe and throughout the world in the media dealing with EU affairs ble of applying and managing EU laws whose experts CEPS engages in drafting its research P and analyses. often use 'eurojargon' words and in practice. The EU reserves the right to CEPS' funding is obtained from a variety of expressions that they alone understand. decide when a candidate country has sources, where the membership fees represent signif- Eurojargon can be very confusing to the met these criteria and when the EU is icant contribution, then foundation grants, private sec- general public, which is the reason we ready to accept the new member. tor financing, publication sales, but also project financing by the European Commission and European decided to introduce those terms for the Council: There are three different Parliament. In that manner, the organization enabled benefit of those who are new yet European bodies with the word 'coun- the position of the objective monitor and researcher entirely comfortable with the field of EU cil' in their names: of the political reality and processes within the EU. CEPS's goals are: integrations. The European Council: This is the - To carry out state-of-the-art policy research leading Convention: This term has various meeting of Heads of State and to solutions to the challenges facing Europe today, meanings, including (in the EU context) Government (i.e. presidents and/or - To achieve high standards of academic excel- lence and maintain unqualified independence, a group of people representing the EU prime ministers) of all the EU countries, - To provide a forum for discussion among all institutions, the national governments plus the President of the European stakeholders in the European policy process, and parliaments, who come together to Commission. The European Council - To build collaborative networks of researchers, policy-makers and business representatives across draw up an important document. meets, in principle, four times a year to the whole of Europe, Conventions of this sort met to draw up agree overall EU policy and to review - To disseminate our findings and views through a the Charter of Fundamental Rights of progress. It is the highest-level policy- regular flow of publications and public events. the European Union and the draft EU making body in the European Union, In the context of its research programmes and networks, CEPS organises a variety of activities, Constitution. which is why its meetings are often including debates with policy makers at the local, Convention ont the Future of called "summits". national and European level, academics, corporate Europe: European Convention (also Council of the European Union: executives, NGOs and the media. The research fields of CEPS are energy, climate known as the Convention on the Future Formerly known as the Council of change, economy, EU neighbourhood policy, finan- of Europe) met in December 2001. It Ministers, this institution consists of gov- cial markets and institutions, foreign and security pol- gathered 105 representatives of the EU ernment ministers from all the EU coun- icy, justice and home affairs, etc. The organisational structure includes several task forces, each one of member states and candidate countries, tries. The Council meets regularly to them working on specific issues / EU policy. their parliaments, European parliament, take detailed decisions and to pass EU Within tasks forces, analysing different issues and European Commission. The con- laws. concerning EU policies senior officials of the EU insti- tutions are jointly engaged with the representatives of vention was chaired by the then French Council of Europe: This is not an the civil society and CEPS experts. These task groups president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. The EU institution. It is an intergovernmen- are gathering usually four times per year to talk about task of the convention was to prepare a tal organisation based in Strasbourg, one of the political and finacial issues. The result of new Treaty to introduce new, clearer which aims (amongst other things) to these talks, in other words the result of the task forces work are reports with conclusions that CEPS sends to rules for the managing European Union protect human rights, to promote the decision makers in the European Commission, after the enlargement. The Convention Europe's cultural diversity and to com- Council of EU and European Parliament. The expe- completed its work on proposals for a bat social problems such as xenophobia rience has proved that these reports are very influ- ential and that opinions of the CEPS task forces were fundamental reform of the Union on 10 and intolerance. The Council of Europe in several occassions accepted and influenced the July 2003. was set up in 1949 and one of its early nature of the political decisions within EU institutions Copenhagen criteria: In June 1993, achievements was to draw up the which makes this organisation as one of the most influential pressure groups at the level of the EU. EU leaders meeting in Copenhagen set European Convention on Human Rights. More detail information on the organisation could three criteria that any candidate country To enable citizens to exercise their rights be found at the official web site: www.ceps.eu. must meet before it can join the under that Convention it set up the European Union. First, it must have sta- European Court of Human Rights. Prepared by: Petar \UKANOVI]

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P A N E L D I S C U S S I O N W I T H M E P s stood, but we always have good intentions. EP is COOPERATION Putting it straight on the side of your country", Pack said, adding that the key priority in Montenegro is to implement reg- BETWEEN GOVERNMENT n the framework of the Forum of European ulations. AND CIVIL SOCIETY IIntegration Schools, CCE, CDNGO and EMiM with Her comment on the Resolution was thatit is the support of FOSI ROM, and in cooperation with "better to name things as they are than to turn a blind Strategy for Ciiviic the Faculty of Political Science organised on 19/12 a eye" and that the document "shows one Montenegro panel discussion titled "European Parliament and its which has huge problems. All we did is calling them Educatiion role in the European enlargement process". by their right names". Among the speakers were Doris Pack, MEP and "In all our talks I heard that the politicians are gen- trategy for Civic Education 2007 - 2010 was the head of the Delegation for South East Europe and erally happy that the Resolution was adopted, with the Spresented at a conference on 14/12/2007 in MEPs Hannes Swoboda, Ryszard Czarnecki and Jas exception of several points. I think we can all live with Podgorica. Gawronski. that. You have a chance to show us next year that things The document was authored by a team of The panel was organised only a few days after are not like that...We hope you will take the Resolution experts from the Educational Bureau in cooper- the EP adopted a Resolution on Montenegro, which seriously and that politicians will do everything possible ation with Centre for Civic Education, OSCE attracted major attention and sparked divisions in to make things better", Pack said, explaining that the EU mission in Montenegro, FOSI ROM and Montenegro, and the discussion focused on this docu- is a "club with its own rules which are known to all and UNICEF. The conference gathered different ment and the current situation in Montenegro. all must follow them". interested parties, stakeholders, as well as repre- "We are no diplomats, we are elected repre- Much attention was dedicated to the continued sentatives of the diplomatic corps and donor sentatives and we try to call things by their proper omission of the Montenegrin Parliament to appoint civil community active in this area. names. This does not mean that we always have all society representatives to the RTCG Council in spite of EP The final version of the Strategy is the fruit information and sometimes we can be misunder- recommendations. of many months of work which involved con- sultations with CE teachers and professors, man- Diplomas for participants of Human and Minority Rights agements of the schools in which this subject is V generation of Human and Minority Rights School, Montenegro will gain active citizens and a powerful introduced, as well as representatives of the rel- Iorganised by CCE with support of the Dutch Royal impetus for the implementation of European standards. evant NGOs and the University of Montenegro. Embassy successfully completed the programme. Gra- 25 participants from various social sectors suc- In this way, all the stakeholders had a direct duation ceremony was conducted on 17/12/2007. cessfully completed the programme. contribution in formulating the goals of the Participants were addressed by the ambassa- The programme, lasting several months, intro- Strategy, their feasibility and scope. dor of the kingdom of Netherlands, H.E. Ronald duced the participants to the basic concepts, culture The Strategy aims to contribute to the qual- J.P.M. van Dartel, president of the Committee for and principle of human rights, analysed international ity of Civic Education teaching in all relevant Human Rights and Freedoms of the Parliament of documents in the area of human rights, standards aspects of this issue (the status of the subject, Montenegro Ko~a Pavlovi} and the executive direc- and recommendations of international organisations, tor of CCE, Daliborka Uljarevi}. presented mechanisms and instruments for the pro- teaching and methods, teachers' training, moni- Ambassador van Dartel emphasised his belief that tection of human rights, such as the European Court toring, improvement and control of the quality, such programmes are welcome in every society and for Human Rights and the UN bodies and gave an use of additional resources) and is one element expressed his hopes that the participants will be able to overview of human rights in Montenegro today. of the overall reform of education in Montenegro. use the acquired knowledge in their future life and work. Among the lecturers were academics and pro- Mr Pavlovi} stressed the importance of NGOs in fessors of the Montenegrin and other universities, as FES AND CCE CONTINUE the improvement of human rights in Montenegro, well as lawyers, judges, researchers, MPs, represen- SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION especially their educational programmes. tatives of political and non-governmental organisa- Ms Uljarevi} congratulated the participants and tions and institutions dealing with human rights in explained that through education on human rights Montenegro. Educatiion for F O R U M O F E U R O P E A N I N T E G R A T I O N S C H O O L S democratiic How to win or lose in the EU ciitiizenshiip n 28/11/2007, the Forum of European Meucci reflected on position of Montenegro articipants of the IX and X generation of OIntegration Schools hosted a lecture by H.E. with respect to the deep transformations in the Democracy School, organised by CCE with Gabriele Meucci, ambassador of the Republic of Italy European economic policy emphasising that this P support of the Friedrich Ebert Schtiftung gradu- in Montenegro. The lecture was titled "Sovereignty country ought to walk the entire road of adjustments ated on 20/12/2007 in Podgorica. and integration in European Union". and gradual loss of economic sovereignty in a few Speakers at the ceremony were Dr Radovan Ambassador Meucci through reminding on the years, a process that in Europe took five decades. This Radonji}, main lecturer at the School, Ivana Ra~i}, origins of EU focused on the common European poli- is only possible if Montenegro believes that the polit- cies and the inevitability of the European integration ical goals are the right ones and maintains the sup- programme coordinator in regional FES Office and process. Emphasising that the whole project is an expres- port of public opinion. Daliborka Uljarevi}, executive director of CCE. sion of "exceptional political maturity, ability to metabolise Otherwise, the question arises whether The goal of the school is to educate and the past and to project the future" he spoke about the Montenegro can afford not to join the EU - can it inform the participants about democracy, its val- challenges facing the current and future member states pay the same price the Switzerland is paying to pro- ues and modes of organisation and contribute to in terms of transferring their sovereignty to EU. vide its citizens with the same rights as in the EU. the general increase in the level of democratic culture in Montenegro. During the last few months, the pro- Future of the EU and Western Balkans gramme was attended and successfully complet- t the panel disucssion on "EU after Lisbon and Treaty, but also about the path that Montenegro ed by 45 participants, mostly NGO and politi- Aperspectives of Western Balkans" held on passed in that period. Mr Leki} focused on the con- cal party activists, journalists, representatives of 11/12/2007, the guests of the Forum of European text in which Lisbon Treaty has been developed and the government ministries and local administra- Integration School were H.E. Thomas Schmitt, its most important parts, stating that the particular tions, students and others. At the School, they Ambassador of the Republic of Germany in Mon- context is not favourable from the enlargment stand- had an opportunity to attend lectures by tenegro, Mr Miodrag Leki}, professor at the University point and consenquently for Montenegro as well, renowned national and international lecturers, in Rome and former Foreign Affairs Minister of which requires additional patience, work and com- professors of the Montenegrin and Belgrade uni- Montenegro and H.E. Petar Tur~inovi}, Ambassador petent negotiators. Ambassador Tur~inovi} especially versities, NGO representatives and journalists. of the Republic of Croatia in Montenegro. reflected on the regional aspect of these processess Organisers announced continuation of the Ambassador Schmitt spoke about the results of stressing the importance of the education in programme in 2008. the German presidency in preparation of the Lisbon European integrations.

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F O R T H I S I S S U E W E R E C O M M E N D :

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/contact_en.html) programme now in its second year aiming to Accommodation costs will be covered for select- promote the development of anthropological ed participants by the Austrian NA. research and teaching in Central, Eastern and Contact Person NA Austria: Marco Frimberger South-eastern Europe. [email protected] Tel: +43 1 5867544-38 SocAnth will be offering approximately 14 short term visits to the network to PhD students from or working in our target region for the next aca- EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY demic year, beginning in September 2008. This INSTITUTE, FLORENCE, includes one twelve month and a six month attachment to any non-residents of Romania ITALY who wish, while based at Babes Bolyai University, Scholarship / Financial aid: 5 grants of 5000 to research or write about Romania or Moldova. Euros available The 'SocAnth' network comprises: University Date: academic year 2008-2009 College London (UCL) and Goldsmith's College, Deadline: 31 January 2008 Britain (GSM); Central European University, Grants are offered in the following programmes: Hungary (CEU); Max Planck Institute for Social - Economics Anthropology, Germany (MPISA) and Babes- - History and Civilization Bolyai University, Romania (BBU). TRAINING ON EUROPEAN - Law The deadline for next year's applications will be - Political and Social Sciences January 15th 2008. SEETIZENSHIP Each of the four departments offers a doctoral Further information at the official website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk The Austrian National Agency "Youth in Action" in programme. cooperation with the Balkan Children Youth There is a one-year Master's (LL.M) programme Foundation (BCYF) is organizing a training course on in the Department of Law only. EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF "European Citizenship" in the framework of YIA-TCP. The annual deadline for submitting applications Dates: 28 February 2008 - 5 March 2008 to any of the above programmes is 31 January. LIBERAL ARTS Place: Ohrid, FYROMacedonia Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' awards: Scholarship / Financial aid: based on demonstrat- The training course is open for youth workers - For nationals of Croatia, the Russian Federation ed financial need from YiA programme countries and from the SEE and CIS; Date: academic year 2007-08 region (Albania, BiH, Croatia, FYROM, - For nationals of Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Deadline: 15 February 2007 and 30 April 2007 Montenegro and Serbia including UNMIK Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and the Open to: students with a special interest in phi- Kosovo). Palestinian Territories; losophy, history, literature, political theory and the Objectives of the training course: - For nationals of Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, visual arts - Understanding civic competence in the frame- FYR of Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The European College of Liberal Arts (ECLA) work of the Key Competencies (footnote: as - For nationals of Turkey. offers a one-year undergraduate program in the suggested by EC in the context of LLL) Candidates for these grants must apply to one of humanities. The academic year runs for nine - Exploring the meaning of the terms Identity, the four EUI departments by 31 January, by fill- months from early October to late June and is values and citizenship on personal level and ing in the standard EUI application form. divided into three ten-week terms: Autumn, understanding of these terms in European con- NB: These grants are available also for LLM can- Winter and Spring. text. didates. The comprehensive fee of 15.000 EUR covers - To illustrate the connection between European Further information at the official website: tuition, accommodation and full board, the study Citizenship, Human Rights, Democracy and the http://www.eui.eu/ trip, public transportation in Berlin, emergency rule of law. health insurance coverage, books (on loan) and - Defining and carve the European dimension in UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Internet access. a youth project ECLA has a need-based financial aid policy and For applicants from SEE: LONDON, UNITED is committed to giving all applicants who quali- Travel and Accommodation costs for selected fy for admission a chance to enroll, regardless of participants from SEE are covered 100% by the KINGDOM their financial means. Financial aid packages vary Austrian National Agency "YiA". Youth workers, Scholarship / Financial aid: Financial support in amount and are based on applicants' demon- who are interested to participate in this training available strated need. course should send back the filled in application Date: twelve month and a six month attachment There are two application deadlines: February form at the latest 1 February 2008 to following beginning in September 2008. 15th 2007 and April 30th 2007. e-mail address: [email protected] Deadline: January 15th 2008 For further information contact the Admissions For applicants from programme countries: Open to: PhD students Office at [email protected] For information Applicants from YiA-programme countries should Marie Curie SocAnth International PhD Pro- about financial aid contact the Financial Aid contact their National Agency if they would support gramme promoting Anthropology in Central and Office at [email protected]. their participation and would cover their travel Eastern Europe Applications for the academic year 2007-08 are costs. (A list of all NAs in Europe can be found at Marie Curie SocAnth is an EU funded training now being accepted.

EIC Bulletin is electronic magazine established within EIC programme, with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The publisher is Centre for Civic Education. EIC Bulletin is registered with the Ministry for Culture and Media as item No. 578 Editor in Chief: Ne|eljko Rudovi} Editorial Board: Vera [}epanovi}, Daliborka Uljarevi}, Dragan Stojovi}, Vladimir Vu~ini} Tehnical Editor: Bla`o Crvenica; Language Editor: Milena Milunovi}; English Language Editor: Maja Mugo{a; Translation: Vera [}epanovi} Njego{eva 36 / I Tel / fax: + 381 81 / 665 - 112, 665 - 327 E-mmail: [email protected] EIC Bulletin can be downloaded at the www.cgo.cg.yu

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