European pulse 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 . 3 0 , M a r c h 2 0 0 8

FFOOCCUUSS OOFF TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEE What are the implications of the Memorandum on the participation of Montenegro in the special European Union Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme?

IINNTTEERRVVIIEEWW Ilir Aliaj, director of the Centre of Development and Democratisation in Tirana

AANNAALLYYSSEESS Why do Montenegrin officials insist that Montenegro should submit EU membership application as soon as possible? C u r r e n t a f f a i r s M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

E U R O P E A N C O M M I S S I O N A P P R O V E S F I N A N C I A L P A C K A G E F O R M O N T E N E G R O F O R A S S I S T A N C E T O T R A N S I T I O N IPA funds within reach

PPRROOMMIISSEESS f we are to believe the candidates for the Ioffice of the President of Montenegro and their electoral promises, in the next five years Montenegro is sure to be among the richest members of the European Union. Maybe it does not even have to join EU, for we can do it all on our own, if the voters can only pick the best one. The ruling coalition's can- didate Filip Vujanovi} says there will be no European Commission headquarters unemployment, minimum wage will be 515 euros, during his next mandate the EU will PA funds aimed at assistance for countries profit organisations, such as local govern- "move to Montenegro", thousand flowers will Iin transition and strengthening of institution- ments, non-governmental sector, associa- bloom, and the citizens of our little state will al capacities will be available from 21 March tions... be satisfied and cheerful. His competitors onwards, the Government announced. The first component brings larger assis- claim they will bring in a Russian pipeline, European Union Delegation notified the tance than the one aimed at projects on build a highway Belgrad-Bar, return dignity Foreign Affairs Ministry of Montenegro that regional and cross-border cooperation. For to the army, send the "government of rob- the EC has approved the agreement, which 2007, IPA budget for Montenegro is 27.5 bers" where they belong, eradicate the narco-mafia, root out corruption, establish means that Montenegro will soon be able to million for support to transition and institution order and discipline… Whoever wins, it draw on the EU funds through the new assis- building and 3.9 million for the projects with- seems, Montenegro cannot lose. tance programme: Instrument for pre-acces- in the second component. Perhaps the losers are really the poten- sion assistance (IPA). The first component of transition and tial statesmen together with the current The programme is a unified extension of institution building encompasses policy, president who is undoubtedly contributing the earlier programmes (CARDS, PHARE, socio-economic projects and support for to the illusions among some of the ISPA and SAPARD) available to countries European integrations. Montenegrin public. There is a bitter after- aspiring to EU membership. Montenegro can During project planning, applicants taste to the Vujanovi}'s thunderous promis- claim 131.3 million euros through the IPA should take into account the evaluations and es of an economic boom, on the condition programme for the period 2007-2013, which commitments of Montenegro from the that he gets the votes, which is a lame way makes it the state with the highest per capi- Stabilisation and Association Agreement to underestimate Montenegrin citizens and ta assistance in the West Balkan region. (SAA), Progress Reports and European thus undermine development of political Like other potential candidate countries Partnership. For IPA 2009 the basic point of culture in Montenegro. There is nothing he for EU membership (Serbia, Bosnia and reference will be the National Programme for can do, indeed, unless the government does Herzegovina and Albania), Montenegro has Integrations (NPI). it. Instead of using the presidential campaign the right to two components of the IPA pro- Ministries and their agencies submit to improve communication with dissenters, gramme - transition support and institution their projects to the Secretariat for European Vujanovi} is trying to convince his followers that his three opponents should not have building and regional and cross-border coop- Integrations which forwards them to been allowed to run at all, because two of eration, while the candidate countries European Agency for Reconstruction (from them have opposed Montenegrin independ- (Croatia, Macedonia) can apply also for the next year this function will be taken over by ence, and the third abandoned the nation in three remaining components - regional the EC Delegation in Podgorica) which selects the most difficult times. This curious prem- development, development of human the best and most urgent ones among them. ise is contradictory to the broadcasted gov- resources and rural development. The fifth The selected project proposals are then ernment's intention to take the hand of the component brings the most funds. If every- sent to the European Commission in Brussels opposition so that they can build the state thing goes according to the government's for approval. Once the project receives green of Montenegro together, a state that would plan, Montenegro could apply for projects in light, the EC and the applicant country sign a be home both to the pro- and to contra- these three components by 2009. Financial Agreement for the transfer of funds, independence camp. The explanation is Support for transition and institution whereupon the money becomes available to simple: the government is either lying, or building is a component aimed at the min- the applicant within four to six months. they feel the ground slipping from under istries and their bodies, while the funds from their feet. N.R. the second component can be used by non- N.R.

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 2 A t t i t u d e M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

A V I E W F R O M E U R O P E Media generate public opinion

This effort to renew the Associations and Non Govern- European governability shall permit mental Organizations are an actor to the unfolding of democracy, making take into account, given their role as governance more human and agile, information multipliers in the giving fresh air to the institutions. European society. This "tactic" is fun- A comprehensible, stable infor- damental to generate interest in the mation policy is necessary in order to EU: citizens identify themselves with allow the citizens to follow in a social movements and solidarity, complete and timely manner the making this field an excellent starting by dr Susana del Rio decisions within European institu- point for community-building. tions, positions taken by different In everyday life the key commu- ow, it is the moment to improve member states, and thus create a nication transmitter is culture: cine- Nthe communication between unique voice of Europe. ma, art, literature, music, as well as Europe and its citizens. This is an It is fundamental to implant seri- sport. Cultural forces must be har- essential labour, requiring intensive ousness in the "informative sequence" nessed as catalysts for Europe. exchange in order to develop a institutions-media-individuals, as the Regarding Internet communication, coherent and consolidated communi- media plays a predominant role as the big digital support, the "handicap cation policy that would occupy a guide of European public opinion. or impediment" is the screen and the challenge is the non-perception of a It is fundamental to implant seriousness in the "informative virtual mechanism by the European sequence" institutions-mmedia-iindividuals, as the media plays a pre- society. A measure of certainty is dominant role as guide of public European opinion necessary to endow this practice with clear, tangible results. The distinct position with regard to foster- Civil society could thus acquire dynamic of work is the same as in ing EU credibility among the citizens. the knowledge of the ways to other EU initiatives: finding consen- Today, following the Treaty of become involved in the EU dynam- sus through dialogue. Perhaps it is Lisbon and its constitutional charac- ic, and of opportunities offered by even unnecessary to talk about seek- ter, it is important to distinguish EU institutions for cooperation, par- ing solutions for Europe today: per- between "false innovations and true Perhaps it is even unnecessary to talk about seeking solutions for innovations". The new communica- Europe today: perhaps we do not need a solution, only reinven- tive European impulse is a real nov- tion of our approach to discussion and to ways to win over elty. The media generate public European opinion, providing an Europeans opportunity for the citizens to ticipation and partnership. The best haps we do not need a solution, encourage and support democracy. results would follow if we organise only reinvention of our approach to Building a political public European "stable spaces" for discussion with discussion and to ways to win over sphere is the nexus around which citizens, instead of using the words the Europeans. Or, in the words of we must build up stronger European to "institutionalise" interaction. Saint-Exupery, the author of the communication. Participation on the The scope and the definition of Little Prince: "there are no solutions, part of the citizens and civil society public spaces compose "a map of just forces in progress". is one of the key components of a Europe" that media shall know how powerful European communication to manage by adding a new goal to The author is a senior consultant policy. What are we looking for its communicative capacities: to give in the field of participation and attending the new participative ini- the citizens of Europe a common communication with EU citizens. The tiatives and exploring alternative are- European idea. How can we con- extract is from her paper "Com- nas for debate? A European model of struct such an idea? - By transmitting munication with citizens: the frame- debate. the "European version" of reality. work for European renovation".

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 3 F o c u s o f t h i s i s s u e M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

W H A T A R E T H E I M P L I C A T I O N S O F T H E M E M O R A N D U M O N T H E P A R T I C I P A T I O N O F M O N T E N E G R O I N T H E S P E C I A L E U R O P E A N U N I O N E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P A N D I N N O V A T I O N P R O G R A M M E ? European funds open for Montenegrin firms

starting after the agreement is signed the framework of Competition and with European Commission. Innovation Programme 2007-2013 Montenegro gained the right to (CIP). participate on an equal basis with Small and medium enterprises EU member states in the develop- are the engine of EU economy, and by Bojana Stani{i} ment programmes for small and the Union has consequently devot- medium enterprises on 3 March in ed a lot of effort to their develop- ince early March, Montenegro Brussels, where the Montenegrin ment. Scan compete with EU member Minister of Economy Branimir Gvo- Across Europe there are some states for the funds aimed at sup- zdenovi} and European Commissi- 23 million SMEs, or 99% of all porting competitiveness and innova- oner for Industry and Entrepreneur- enterprises, employing 75 million tion capacities of small and medium ship Gunter Verheugen signed a people. enterprises. Memorandum of Understanding For many years EU has been The first to take advantage of between European Community and working on a political framework for this new opportunity was the Montenegro on the participation of SMEs in order to create synergies Directory of Small and Medium Montenegro in the Entrepreneurship and increase transparency of Enterprises, applying with the proj- and Innovation Programme (EIP) in European approach to small and ect "European Information and Innovation Centre Montenegro". The new centre will replace the existing CONSORTIA FOR Euro Info correspondence centre of CONSORTIA FOR Montenegro. EC Directorate General for Entrepreneurship and Industry IINNNNOOVVAATTIIOONN GGAAPP gave a green light to the project, and the agreement should be signed he project "European Information and Innovation Centre Montenegro" will be already in early April. Timplemented by Directory for SMEs with three partners members of the con- sortia: Engineering Faculty of the University of Montenegro, Chamber of "The goal of the project is to Commerce and Business Start-up Centre from Bar. enhance competitiveness of The consortia will provide their clients with all relevant information needed Montenegrin small and medium by SMEs and other target groups for internationalisation of their activities. enterprises on the European and The priority is to reduce "innovation gap" and offer support in creating new domestic markets, by creating a jobs, growth and sustainable development through distribution of information and joint network of integrated service raising awareness about innovation policies, legislation, support programmes, provision in the areas of entrepre- research findings and offering mediating services in transferring knowledge and neurship and innovation", says for technology, and stimulating innovation capacities. the European Pulse Dragana Finally, the consortia will work on raising awareness in small and medium Vuk~evi}, promotion consultant in enterprises about the EU framework programmes on research and technological development, assist SMEs in identifying their needs for research and develop- the SME Directory. ment and locating relevant partners, and offer services in preparing and coordi- She adds that the Directory has nating project proposals for participation in the EU framework programmes for prepared the implementation pro- research and development. gramme for the next three years,

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 4 F o c u s o f t h i s i s s u e M a r c h , 2 0 0 8 I

medium enterprises. T S E J I

On behalf of EU the responsi- V

o t o

bility for SMEs belongs to the SME h Commission (within the DG p Entrepreneurship) whose task is to develop programmes and imple- ment the overall policy of member states with regard to SMEs. In 2005, the European Com- mission adopted a Europe-wide comprehensive policy for develop- ment of SMEs, ensuring that the policies and activities of EU are SME-friendly, and contributing to Europe's increasing attractiveness for functioning and establishment of such firms. The new Commission policy Zoja Spahi} - Kustudi} regarding SMEs, which applies to the Montenegrin entrepreneurs as of innovations, and establishment of of business innovations", Spahi} well if they want access to EU, is a sustainable, competitive, innova- Kustudi} said. based on the principle "First think tive information society", said for Access to EU will be made pos- small". It is geared towards improv- European Pulse Zoja Spahi}-KKustu- sible first of all through channels for ing business environment for SMEs, di}, port parole of the Ministry of financial assistance for the establish- reducing administrative costs, Economy. ment and development of SMEs, improving market access, creating She adds that participation in support for business development jobs and fostering dialogue and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation and innovation through a network consultations with SMEs in order to Programme will contribute to quali- of regional centres, as well as create ideal conditions for improved ty implementation of the goals set in through cooperation among SMEs in competitiveness. the Strategy for Development of the area of cross-border coopera- According to the Ministry, the Small and Medium Enterprises tion. Memorandum opens numerous 2007-2010 with regard to stimulat- "We believe this to be a great opportunities for local projects ing innovation and technology com- success for Montenegro, which has aimed at improving entrepreneur- petitiveness. become an equal member of the ship and innovation. "Entrepreneurship and Inno- new European business support net- "Montenegrin membership in vation Programme (EIP) will provide work", Dragana Vuk~evi} said. this programme will contribute small and medium enterprises with Framework Competitiveness and immensely to our research systems, a simpler and more effective access Innovation Programme 2007-2013 to competitiveness of small and to European Union through various (CIP) was introduced by the Council medium enterprises, to promotion modes of assistance to development of EU decision of 24 October 2006, in order to support competitiveness and innovation. 22..1166 BBIILLLLIIOONN EEUURR The programme includes all Community activities in the area of entrepreneurship, small and medi- FFOORR EENNTTRREEPPRREENNEEUURRSSHHIIPP um enterprises, innovation, industri- The overall budget for implementation of the framework Competition and al competitiveness, ICT development TInnovation Programme is 3.621 billion EUR, out of which 2.16 billion goes and implementation of environ- for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme. Support programme for ment-friendly technologies and information and communication technologies will receive 728 million, while intelligent energy solutions. 730 million has been allocated to the Intelligent Europe programme. Although the project is aimed There is no information yet on the amount that Montenegro can count on in the next five years. primarily at European organisations and businesses with a special focus

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 5 F o c u s o f t h i s i s s u e M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

Government of Montenegro on SMEs it is also open for partici- by providing access to financial es new elements such as instrument pation for the third countries, assistance through risk and profit for high-growth and innovative including the West Balkan states. sharing arrangements with private companies, safeguarding the struc- Except for Montenegro, which has investors and cross-guaranteed loans ture of bank loans to SMEs and joined the programme on 3 March, for national support schemes. greater role for the business and Croatia and Macedonia are so far Within this programme SMEs innovation support networks. the only members from the region. will have a simple, clear and effec- Support programme for the pol- They have joined the programme in tive access to European Union icy on information and communica- September 2007. The Commission through business support networks tion technologies will encourage a expects other West Balkan countries which provide information and new integrated market for electron- to join by the end of the year. advice on the existing Euro Info ic networks, media content and dig- The goal of Enterprise and centres. ital technologies. It will be aimed at Innovation Programme is to assist In addition to being based on finding solutions to remove the bar- development of business innovation tested programmes, CIP encompass- riers to wider usage of electronic services in Europe. It will also sup- port modernisation of public sector THE SPANISH MODEL services, leading to greater efficacy THE SPANISH MODEL and quality of services. pain is a very good example of how one can use international experience to The Intelligent Energy for Sassist and support small and medium enterprises. Europe programme supports wider Spanish programmes for SMEs include employment promotion, export pro- usage of new renewable energies motion, research, development and innovation and quality management. Within the employment promotion programmes numerous projects exist offering finan- and improvement of energy effi- cial support for the businesses that are willing to create new jobs and participate ciency, strengthening harmonisation in the fight against unemployment. The assistance is provided through subsidies, with energy regulatory framework. tax cuts, waivers on social security contributions etc. In the last few years a major- The goal of the programme is to ity of such schemes was focused on the employment promotion for certain seg- speed up activities in the field of ments of the population which are typically disadvantaged in the labour market renewable energies by increasing (youth, women, persons with disability, long-term unemployed etc.). the share of renewables and dimin- Realising how important it is for SMEs to invest in research, development and ishing overall energy consumption. innovation if they wish to succeed in a competitive environment, the state has created several schemes providing co-financing for research and development The author is a journalist of TV projects. "Vijesti"

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 6 I n t e r v i e w M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

I L I R A L I A J , D I R E C T O R O F T H E C E N T R E O F D E V E L O P M E N T A N D D E M O C R A T I S A T I O N I N T I R A N A We are no longer the black sheep of the Balkans

lbania is now shaken by a clash divide our problems in two groups: Aof generations. After the fall of the first concerns the mentality, the communism all major political par- second our legislation and infra- ties are still staffed with people left structure. With regard to mentality, over from the old political struc- years of complete isolation have to tures whose mentality did not be overcome if we are to fulfil the change a notch, says Ilir Aliaj, requirement of carrying out impor- director of the Centre for Deve- tant reforms in order to join NATO lopment and Institutional Demo- and EU. Who are the people who cratisation from Tirana in the inter- can carry this task? view for European Pulse. Another thing is the infrastruc- The situation is no different in ture which is outdated and inap- the business world, he added. propriate for the times we live in. "And we know how hard it is In order to improve this, the gov- to turn an apparatchik into a ernment will have to invest a lot of businessman. On the other hand, money and energy. Then there is today there are hundreds of the issue of legislative harmonisa- young people who have studied tion and the need to bring abroad and are coming back to Albanian laws in line with EU stan- Ilir Aliaj Albania, and they bring a different dards, but of course that is only kind of mentality. The result is a ed by the end of this year and that the tip of the iceberg. The next clash of generations, with the next year Albania can apply for the step is implementation, and then older ones defending the status candidate status. There is general- we are back to the beginning of quo and the younger ones trying ly a lot of optimism with regard to the story, the mentality. to speed up reforms", says Aliaj, who works on issues of European This is a very big problem for Albania. Each time another party integrations, public administration comes to power, they introduce a new "reform" of public admin- reform, fight against corruption istration, which really means firing the people appointed by the and strengthening judicial capaci- previous government and hiring their own partisans ties. He graduated in geography and law from the University of the process, and in the last three How is Albania coping with Tirana and earned his MA in years Albania has made a lot of the lack of administrative capaci- European Studies from the Euro- progress: we are no longer the ties? pean College in Bruges. black sheep of the Balkans ruled This is a very big problem for How would you evaluate by organised crime, although more Albania. Each time another party the position of Albania in the EU remains to be done. comes to power, they introduce a integration process? What are the key challenges new "reform" of public administra- Albania has already signed and in Albania today? tion, which really means firing the ratified the Stabilization and There are too many challenges. people appointed by the previous Association Agreement in 2006. We cannot forget our past when government and hiring their own Since then the European Parli- we talk about EU integration. partisans. Another problem is that ament and 16 EU member states Albania was the most isolated a lot of highly qualified individuals, have ratified the agreement. We country in the communist block. who had been educated at the expect this process to be complet- Having that in mind, I prefer to prestigious universities abroad,

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 7 I n t e r v i e w M a r c h , 2 0 0 8 prefer to work in the private sec- tor where they earn more and have more space for their ideas. It is not so difficult to create a pro- fessional public administration, it would be enough to implement the law, which on paper is a very good one, but in reality comes to nothing. Support for EU integration is very high among the Albanian cit- izens, more than 80% in favour. Why is this the case? That is correct, Albanians are highly supportive of EU integration, but do they know what this means? I believe not, but then why are they in favour of it? It looks like a puzzle, but the answer is very simple: Albanians want to leave the old politics and old men- tality behind, and they believe EU integration is the best way to do it. In fact, very little is done of many important projects. EU has example. either by NGOs or by other stake- a very tough policy on agriculture, Where do you see opportu- holders to raise the awareness of for instance, but the Albanian nities for concrete cooperation the EU integration process, farmers do not know anything between Albania and Montenegro although this could be the source about it, and this is only one such in the process of EU and NATO integrations? Albanians want to leave the old politics and old mentality behind, Albania and Montenegro have and they believe EU integration is the best way to do it very good cooperation in all fields, although both countries could be doing more. I believe that integra- AFTER VISAS, ELIMINATE TARIFFS tion is stronger if it comes from AFTER VISAS, ELIMINATE TARIFFS bottom-up and not the other way How do you see the region in the near future? Could the Balkans around. People have to get to become a mini-EEU, a region without borders and customs? know each other better. If we I am optimistic about the future of the region. It is true that some coun- manage to dispel all prejudices tries still view their neighbours with suspicion, but I believe that soon things towards each other our govern- will change. I am convinced that such prejudices simply stem from the lack of ments will surely cooperation knowledge. I speak from personal experience: I was the only Albanian in my grade at the College of Europe, and there was a Macedonian and two Serbian more. I visited Montenegro a few students with me. In the first year our relations were a bit tense, but when we weeks ago with a group of NGO got to know each other, we started calling each other "kom{ija" (neighbour). activists, journalists and academics. Today we are very good friends and when I visited Belgrade for the first time We met with many people from in 2003, my Serbian friend invited me to his house where we discussed var- different fields and we had many ious issues with him and his family, including the problem of Kosovo. It was fruitful discussions. This is only one the same when I went to Skopje. step, but there is certainly space Albania and Montenegro have already established a visa-free travel regime for improvement. Forging more and are discussing abolishing the customs duties. We have the same agreement contacts on different levels of the with Kosovo and Macedonia, and we will hopefully soon sign one with Croatia, society will foster integration and Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia. Albanian government has abolished visa requirements for these three countries, and we hope that soon they will reach bring mutual benefits. the same decision. N. RUDOVI]

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 8 A n a l y s e s M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

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

o t o h For Filip p and Serbia hile the Government is busy preparing Wthe National Programme for Integ- rations, an important document specifying the timetable for the adoption of regulations nec- essary to implement the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) within dead- lines, some of the highest officials have sug- gested that Montenegro should apply for EU membership as soon as possible. Although the roadmap for the fulfilment of SAA com- Krivokapi} and \ukanovi} mitments is not yet ready, the authorities are preoccupied with the next phase of acces- granted candidate status in June 2004, and is Croatia additional 184 questions. sion. Given that Brussels has repeatedly currently negotiating its membership. There is Since then, Croatia has been opening warned that the most important thing is to no time limit on the duration of these nego- chapter by chapter with EU experts for the implement SAA adequately and thus demon- tiations, and once they are successfully com- last 2 years, while confusion reigns among the strate readiness to proceed on the road to pleted Croatia could become the 28th mem- Montenegrin leaders. Earlier this month, dur- membership, and that the government could ber of the "elite club". ing his visit to Zagreb, PM Milo \ukanovi} not fail to understand the message, insistence Four new EU member states: Estonia, claimed that the decision on membership on the application for candidate status can Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia had a similar application will be made in agreement with only be read as a tool for domestic politics, experience, applying for membership before the European Commission, EU presidency which could potentially add some wind to their Europe Agreements came into force, and other EU members, while his predeces- the sails of the ruling party's candidate Filip and Slovenia and Estonia even became can- sor @eljko [turanovi} insisted that the proce- Vujanovi} on the eve of presidential elections didates before the ratification process was dure will be initiated in early 2008. A week of 6 April. Either that or the Montenegrin completed. later in Ljubljana President of the Parliament leaders figured that Brussels might be pon- dering closer ties to some of the West Balkan Given that Brussels has repeatedly warned that the most important countries in order to encourage democratic thing is to implement SAA which would show readiness to proceed forces in Serbia ahead of the decisive parlia- towards membership, and that the government must know about mentary elections on 11 May. Reuters has it, insistence on the application can only be read as a tool for already insinuated that after the declaration of Kosovo's independence and the deadlock domestic politics, which could potentially add some wind to the between Skopje and Athens over the name sails of the ruling party's candidate Filip Vujanovi} on the eve of of Macedonia the projected "nightmare" for presidential elections of 6 April integrations may yet give way to a more opti- mistic scenario. After Croatia submitted its membership Ranko Krivokapi} said that application will be "Some EU officials say that Bosnia, application on 21 February 2003, the Council sent in the next few weeks, and that he Albania and Montenegro could submit mem- of EU responded in less than two months, on knows the exact date, a proposition rejected bership applications in the next few months, 14 April 2003, with a request to the by the head of the Montenegrin mission to possibly at the same time, in a symbolic joint Commission to formulate avis on the Croatian EU Slavica Mila~i}, who said that "the expe- act", Reuters reported. application. Following the standard procedure rience of all accession countries suggests that Formally, Montenegro is free to apply for deciding on the avis, EC forwarded the so- one ought to be wary of setting strict dead- EU membership although it only signed the called Questionnaire to Croatia on 10 July lines in all phases of the accession process". SAA on 15 October last year. 2003 with 4.560 questions on various issues \ukanovi} immediately agreed, saying that Experiences from the neighbouring regarding public institutions, economy etc. "one shouldn't worry about deadlines". countries, Croatia in particular suggest that it Response to the questionnaire gave a "At the moment, I would only say we is not necessary to wait for full implementa- detailed picture of the situation in Croatia. intend to apply soon…we will continue tion of SAA in order to apply. Answering the questionnaire is a cumbersome coordination and close cooperation with our Croatia signed its SAA on 29 October job which in this case took three months, and European partners", said cryptically Slavica 2001, and submitted its membership applica- the Questionnaire was returned to the Mila~i}. tion to EU on 21 February 2003, before the Commission on 9 October 2003. In agreement even came into force. It was December 2003 and January 2004 EC sent N. RUDOVI]

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 9 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 M a r c h , 2 0 0 8 Property lost in translation

by Brano Mandi}

ld loves are hard to forget, and Omy love was the text devoured by Toshiba Satellite L40-14F less than five minutes ago. Thus, let me begin by hijacking the attention of the Eurocentric reader by one banality: always save the document you are working on, for your punch lines could reach the peak on the point of Word's breakdown, and the pain of the loss will be immense. Led by this great wisdom already the ancient Romans founded their system on enumerating life's gifts, such as property. The Western civili- sation is but an immense registry of real estate and cars. That bit that the Taken by revolutionary zeal, the few anathemas in the near future. citizens won over the last two hun- Real Estate Directory deprived the We also found out that the dred years nobody can take away: diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Montenegrin political shepherds per- the sense of living among orderly Church of what was not its property, sonified by the leaders of Democratic books, the belief that even the most in the midst of euphoric vote-grab- Party of Socialists have inherited secret scribbles will be laid open in bing. The key postulate for the over- property in Bijelo Polje. And we all some fifty years and that the sons of throw (every revolution is an over- agreed like eager freshmen that our sons will finally know who killed throw, even the administrative one) property can only be inherited from Kennedy. was found to be H.E. Mistake. a physical person. When we asked If the cadastre of Montenegro Someone ascribed the property to the head of the party who is the was managed in the last few years by the Diocese by mistake. Whose mis- grandpa they ripped off, he respond- Dan O'Brian himself, if Umberto Eco take it was we will never know, all ed that the party legally acquired the slipped in his eager on every mis- we know is that no one will be held property through its famous compa- deed fingers, if Aristotle's lost manu- responsible for forging a paper on ny Prominent DOO. script on laughter had been printed thousands square meters of property, Another mistake. I wish I could make suffer those guys at the cadas- We also found out that the Montenegrin political shepherds per- tre who spread confusion and uncer- sonified by the leaders of Democratic Party of Socialists have tainty through worldly regulations inherited property in Bijelo Polje. And we all agreed like eager that we have dutifully observed from freshmen that property can only be inherited from a physical per- Valtazar Bogi{i} onwards. Do take a son. When we asked the head of the party who is the grandpa they friendly advice and go check your ripped off, he responded that the party legally acquired the prop- own property lists to make sure it erty through its famous company Prominent DOO was not inherited or declared a mis- in the royal seat of Cetinje - the tor- likely to be followed by pointless take in the meantime. tured Montenegrin public would not shooting of headlines between the Bear in mind the painful exam- have been so overwhelmed by one men in mantles and men in ties. The ple of the ancient brotherhood of chaotic turn of tale on the public Creator was often invoked as the Rafailovi}i from Budva whose inher- takeover of clerical bookkeeping in supreme judge and it would be small itance is being dug up by Sergej the last fortnight. Or it was the other wonder if the Montenegrin spiritual Polonski and Svetozar Marovi} to way around for the last twenty years. shepherds true to tradition casted a make space for a phallusoid sky-

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 10 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 M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

mission and a cry to the reader to leave the country, if possible. The author of these lines can only sleep soundly after having spread defeatism and fatalism among the campaign crowds while the optimists are trum- peting the victory of the opposition or the big duke, all the same. Because that feeling, like when a text written from the heart disappears before your eyes, or a piece of land inherited from grandfather's grandfa- ther disappears, or when B.S. tells you "thank you on the attention", that thing probably resembles the moment when you tell the patient: scraper intended as a hotel for will have all the papers for them- You will not live long enough to see Russians and friends. selves and the ancestors. A decent Montenegro become a normal state Private-public-private-public- alibi for the nineties. To make a fool with a rule of law. Or a tat less private, the riddle of today's out of everyone who would seek painful: during your active sexual life, Montenegro would be bearable if the accountability in the damp cellars of Montenegro will never become a legal-administrative reform would not the cadastre, for we all know that normal state with a rule of law. Will entail a reform of the private capital. The author of these lines can only sleep soundly after having spread One such in Ro`aje bought two defeatism and fatalism among the campaign crowds while the opti- hotels and forbade the police to mists are trumpeting the victory of the opposition or the big duke, enter. He's the big boss on the block all the same and he wants his agents to leave the boots outside and don on dancing property is like poetry: lost in trans- it join EU? We can check the elec- shoes before his doormat. lation. Take the case of Mr. Marovi}- toral tribunes for an answer. The only Once upon a time the agents good connections in the cadastre, positive development is that the asked his compatriots to take of their vocation: philosopher. audiences are thinning out and there shoes and beat them on the soles of Monitor will publish the photo of are fewer maniacs waving flags. That nobody will mention on Brdo by Will Montenegro join EU? We can check the electoral tribunes for Kranj next week, and the Balkans will an answer. The only positive development is that the audiences are be discussed on the high ministerial thinning out and there are fewer maniacs waving flags level in EU. A couple of smooth their feet. Now we need a local lord him on the front page from seven- diplomats' jokes, fancy dining, a few who can keep in check tribal mem- teen years ago with plastic glasses in conclusions, but you, my dear read- ories and ensure autonomy within the lapel and a lame outfit of a er, are not of the same luck. You will the province which is the poorest in Czech tourist taking a walk on the have to wait for some real electron- Montenegro but is at least free of the shore with two party friends, but ic newspaper in Montenegro, naviga- hateful uniforms who haunt the soon the front page too will disap- ble and without these terrible PDFs, local's common subconscious. pear like an independent weekly in with zillions of links to the real estate According to the government, the lands of no return. registry where you can track down dignity can be restored to the poor Bought or bankrupt. the fraud. This is one very poetic Bosniaks in the north even by the Portraits of the leader will be amateur letter, but at least I have not man commonly known as the key made by the handpicked court mentioned once European and Euro- supplier of heroin to the famed pointillists ready to brush up so many Atlantic integrations. Rest a little. Zemun clan. Zemun clan killed Zo- dots to make the overall picture of And before I forget: good luck at ran \in|i}, and Harry Lee Oswald the robbery disappear. the elections, apstinents! killed Kennedy, until proven wrong. May I not come across as an By which time the political opposition hawk, this is only a pre- The author is a journalist of the power looming behind similar filth electoral lamentation without com- daily newspaper "Vijesti"

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C O O P E R A T I O N B E T W E E N T H E M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F K O T O R A N D T H E I T A L I A N T O W N C A M P O M A R I N O F R O M M O L I S A P R O V I N C E L E D T O A N I M P O R T A N T P R O J E C T Eurodistrict for European funds

are available both for the members first statutory session of the Adriatic and for the countries participating in Council in Pula on 30 June 2006. The the association process. In this context, initiative involves various cities and it is of paramount importance to gain regions of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, access to structural funds as 90% of the Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro money aimed at assistance to less and Albania. It is based on the developed regions is channelled European Framework Convention on through them. All regions are eligible if Cross-Border Cooperation among ter- their GDP per capita is less than 75% ritorial units adopted on 21 May 1980 of EU average, or if they have been in Madrid and published in the series by Emil Krije{torac hard hit by social restructuring or high of European treaties under the serial unemployment. Consequently, a num- no. 106. The key goal of the initiative s a result of cooperation between ber of countries that have never had a is development of integrated territorial Amunicipalities of Kotor, Montenegro tradition of regionalism engaged in cooperation among the countries in and Campomarino, Italy (Molise), as decentralisation in order to acquire the region, as well as sustainable eco- well as of successful promotion of access to these funds. nomic development, social cohesion cross-border cooperation for the The region of Molise was long and good governance on the local establishment of Adriatic Euroregion working on establishing cross-border level, in accordance with the broader (AE), similar effort will soon be cooperation among local and regional EU policy towards Western Balkans. crowned by the creation of a authorities in the Adriatic basin, culmi- Both Euroregions and Eurodistricts Eurodistrict Southern Adriatic, gather- nating in the creation of the Adriatic are among the "Model and draft agree- ing coastal municipalities of Euroregion officially established at the ments, statutes, cross-border coopera- Montenegro (Kotor, Budva, Herzeg Novi, Tivat, Bar and Ulcinj), two EU assistance aimed at equalising living conditions in European Albanian municipalities (Kruj and regions is available both for the members and for the countries Skoder) and several municipalities in participating in the association process the Italian province Molise. It is noteworthy that the European Commission already allocated 30 mil- lion euros for the establishment of the Adriatic Euroregion and the future South Adriatic Eurodistrict. It is all the more obvious why Montenegro should be working on cross-border coopera- tion with the countries and region of the Adriatic basin if we know that one third of the overall EU budget goes for supporting less developed regions, and that through such projects these funds can be made available also for the non-members. It is therefore important to make use of these mechanisms to apply for funds and establish a firm position, since the money aimed at equalising living conditions in European regions Kotor

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 12 E c o n o m y M a r c h , 2 0 0 8 tion treaties among territorial units able tourism, marines for vessels or authorities", proposed by the used for free activities and build- Council of Europe. Eurodistrict is a ing vessels for sports and enter- harmonious segment of a network tainment, universities, research, of Adriatic cooperation that is culture, transportation, social and capable of playing an important health care as well as local role in the framework of Adriatic democracy, good governance and Euroregion. Relations among the European citizenship. individual members of the South The goals of Eurodistrict are Adriatic Eurodistrict will be regulat- based on its ambition to become a ed by a separate convention pilot region of the Adriatic basin regarding its organisation and func- laying foundations for a common tioning. The preamble of the European region premised on sus- Convention reminds of the existing tainable development, social conventions and protocols, as well cohesion and cultural dialogue. as the prior agreements on cooper- Among its objectives are also the ation and fraternisation between aim to contribute positively to the Kotor and Campomarino. The bers: two from Montenegro, one from activities of the Adriatic Euroregion Convention also stipulates the scope fo Albania, the rest from the Molise via membership and participation in its the Eurodistrict, its goals, duration, region. President of the Eurodistrict is internal bodies and direction participa- mode of accession of new members the legal representative of the institu- tion of the citizens in cooperative and dissolution. The second chapter tion and represents it before the local, activities in order to upgrade the lists the bodies within the Eurodistrict: national and European authorities. instruments of local democracy and Council, Executive Board and President is elected for a two-year strengthen the sense of belonging to a President. The Councl will consist of term. common history and European culture. These activities are accompanied The goals of Eurodistrict are based on its ambition to become a by the "New European scenario", most- pilot region of the Adriatic basin laying foundations for a common ly regarding innovation in legislation, European region premised on sustainable development, social such as the adoption of the Regulation cohesion and cultural dialogue no. 1082/2006 on 5 July 2006 estab- lishing European Group For Territorial majors of the cities within the The signatories of this convention Cooperation (ETCG). This is an ad-hoc Eurodistrict, who elect the chairmen are obliged to promote, manage or instrument for the promotion and among themselves for a one-year term support initiatives regarding territorial development of cooperation pro- by qualified majority. Executive board cooperation, projects and programmes grammes and legal projects, with consists of the chairmen, deputy chair- in the following priority fields: fishing, capacity to mobilise Community funds, men and a maximum of seven mem- agro-industries, environment, sustain- and is open for participation of the central, regional and local authorities. The second innovation is the recently published Green Book "Towards the TTHHEE UUNNIITTIINNGG LLIINNEE future maritime policy of European Union: European vision for seas and s a semi-closed sea bordering member states as well as third countries, oceans", under the aegis of the linked by a common historical heritage and European cultural identity, A European Commission. This document Adriatic is certainly one of the most propitious regions for tangible implemen- confirms the commitment of EC for the tation of the local development policies supported by the Council of Europe promotion of integrated, cross-sectoral and European Unions. Such regional and cross-border cooperation could stem and multidisciplinary maritime policy incipient and rising nationalisms, mediate conflicts and strengthen the support of EU, encompassing various aspects of for common solutions to regional problems. The solution lies not in rigid trans- relevance for the seas and oceans actions across regional administrations but in flexible asymmetric cooperation (maritime transport, industry, coastal based on political, economic and scientific cooperation as well as cooperation regions, offshore energy, fish crops, among the civil sectors. No one can set the priorities for each community as maritime environment and other relat- well as the citizens who populate these regions and local communities. And ed issues). the problems and priorities are usually the same, regardless of the borders. The borders are, after all, not a result of some natural laws, but usually the out- The author is participant of IV gen- come of conflicts, historical wounds or nature itself. Through these projects, the eration of the European Integrations borders are transformed into lines that unite and do not divide. South Adriatic School. He is a high official of the Eurodistrict is a promising instrument for the accomplishment of these goals. People's Party

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J E L E N A M I L I ] , E X P E R T O N R E G I O N A L A N D S E R B I A N P O L I T I C S A N D D I R E C T O R O F T H E C E N T R E F O R E U R O -AA T L A N T I C S T U D I E S Kosovo test for EU as a global player uropean values exist in the region, but spite of the lacking internal consensus. It Enone has taken root, says Jelena Mili}, will also have to continue establishing Eulex expert on regional and Serbian politics and mission in the whole of Kosovo once so director of the Centre for Euro-Atlantic much money has been invested, for its Studies. international credibility is now at stake. If it Asked to specify which values she has fails to assert its presence and importance in mind, Mili} says that the key problem soon enough, I fear that the region may be concerns modern understanding of democ- swept by a new wave of instability, and the racy which goes beyond electoral procedures EU's credibility will be seriously damaged, and majority will to encompass the rule of alongside its chances to become a global law, stable institutions, compete protection player on pairs with US and Russia. Taking of individual and collective human rights, on a leading role in Kosovo is a major test", free markets, and the right to protection. Mili} said. "And, naturally, assuming responsibility She maintains that Kosovo and Balkans for events around the world based on own in general will be a test case of EU's ability behavior", said Mili} for European Pulse. to act as a global player, instead of simply She insists there is a lot to be done and remaining someone who "collects the bill". that the "region is not isolated - the whole Mili} emphasises that the way the sit- world is living a global 21st century and Jelena Mili} uation unfolds in Serbia will impact to an functions on the basis of interdependencies". extent the rest of the region, "which has "All the changes and self-searching that weakened those of us who have been advo- proven its maturity in certain ways in the last goes on in the developed West, some cating these changes all along. This is why few years, with CEFTA and RSS". because of the events of the September 11th the new EU policy for the region - of inclu- The region is now split between recog- in the USA, some because of the rising sion and guidance, which I fully support, is nising Kosovo on the one hand and avoid- ing to offend or isolate frustrated Serbia on Taking responsibility for Kosovo, the EU has almost entirely assumed the other. To put it frankly, economic inter- ests are numerous and intertwined. I believe responsibility for the Western Balkans, which is encouraging there is a lot of space for useful balancing. Both the region and the international com- interventions by an ever-stronger Russia needed now more than ever. It is only munity ought to refrain from interfering with conspire to slow down the consolidation of through this mode that we ought to contin- efforts of the pro-European forces in Serbia such values in the region. Which is a pity: ue fulfilling the remaining conditions and and avoid aggravating their already delicate not everyone in the region, whether they standards. The current dynamic of the asso- situation", Mili} warned. lived through the recent bloodsheds or not, ciation process, and even the candidacy She adds that in Serbia these very have started on a good path as Balkans", itself, will soon cease to be attractive enough forces must show more decisiveness and Mili} said. and sufficient to motivate the weakened perhaps make some difficult steps and com- She reminds that at the Thessalonica pro-European forces, especially in Serbian promises. Delaying it would only drift Serbia summit Brussels sent a clear signal to the region, before the EU itself entered an insti- The way the situation unfolds in Serbia will have and impact on tutional crisis which led to a halt and to the rest of the region, which has shown many signs its maturity in confused policies towards the Balkans. "The anti-European forces in certain the last few years countries and parts of the Western Balkans sensed the reluctance and exploited the and in Bosnia, but also in Macedonia which further apart from EU. moment, and now we have this misunder- is suffering de facto EU sanctions for the last "One such step is to present to the standing and distancing deepened by Kosovo's two years", Mili} said. public the real situation in and around declaration of independence", Mili} said. She emphasises that by taking responsi- Kosovo, and their plans how to deal with it, She reminds that the EU has long bility for Kosovo on itself the EU has almost instead of simply stating that they want both debated whether to give up or to continue entirely assumed responsibility for the Western Europe and Kosovo. It is even more impor- insisting on the conditionality policy, espe- Balkans, which is an encouraging sign. tant, perhaps, to bury the battle tomahawks cially with regard to cooperation with ICTY. "There are, however, many shortcom- among themselves and avoid display of per- "In its indecisiveness, it did the worst ings still: neither international environment sonal animosities which are sometimes thing imaginable: the process was stop-and- nor the internal deliberations are of the indeed repulsive for an average citizen who go, without corresponding to any actual most propitious kind. The EU now has no only wants to see Serbia in EU", Mili} con- changes in Serbia. Neither Mladi} nor choice but to continue supporting the cluded. Karad`i} were arrested. This only gave wings accession process of the remaining countries to nationalists and anti-Europeans and in the region at a much greater pace, in N.R.

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N E W E U E N E R G Y I N I T I A T I V E G E T S A G R E E N L I G H T Billion euros for hydrogen research

U research ministers have approved for the next 10-15 years. Ea regulation setting up a long-term EC adopted, on 10 October public-private research partnership on 2007, its first 'hydrogen package'. hydrogen and fuel cells, with the aim This includes a proposal for a regula- of reducing the time to market for tion to simplify the market approval of these technologies by 2-5 years and hydrogen cars and a proposal for a cutting CO2 emissions. regulation setting up the Fuel Cells Competitiveness Council on 25 and Hydrogen Joint Technology February reached an agreement on the Initiative (JTI). essential elements for the launch of the The package is said to offer "long EU 'Fuel cells and Hydrogen' joint term solutions for sustainable energy technology initiative (JTI). and transport systems, which will ben- Faced with climate change and the efit society by mitigating the adverse need to reduce greenhouse gas emis- effects of climate change and toxic pol- sions, these technologies are considered lutants, and reducing dependency on by many to be a clean alternative to diminishing oil and gas reserves." traditional fossil fuels. When running on The proposal to simplify market hydrogen, the only exhaust product of approval for hydrogen cars is "an fuel cells is steam. expected "to give confidence" to indus- example of a regulation that stimulates According to the Commission, EU- try, public and private investors and innovation by providing for a clear funded research had found that "intro- decision-makers to join this long-term framework and the necessary stability ducing hydrogen into the energy system partnership. for industry," said Science and Research would reduce the total oil consumption "Of course, the private sector Commissioner Janez Poto~nik. "The by the road transport sector by 40% should act as usual by following their hydrogen JTI is a prime example of the between now and 2050." But, the EU own interest," said Research Com- sort of tools available to us as we executive adds that "substantial barriers missioner Janez Poto~nik, adding that develop our energy policy," he added. have first to be overcome" on econom- the main role of political actors was to However, Commissioner Gunter ic, technological and institutional issues. create the right conditions and regula- Verheugen said that, even though it Currently, these technologies are tions for market uptake of these tech- presents a promising technological option, he was "not convinced that the European Research Commissioner Janez Poto~nik said that in the hydrogen car will be the car of the short term energy efficiency and creating conditions for markets to future" but thought it was important to use low carbon energy resources were the most important efforts give this technology a opportunity to to reduce greenhouse gas emissions prove whether it will work. "I don't know whether it will work not commercially available and further nologies "as soon as possible." some day. In any case it is sure that the research and technological develop- According to EurAktiv, Poto~nik technology will have no impact in the ment is needed before they can be also said that, in the short term, ener- next 10-15 years." widely used. The aim of the joint pub- gy efficiency and creating conditions for Verheugen also said that one lic-private research undertaking, agreed markets to use low carbon energy needs to ensure that the production of by the Council, is thus to speed up the resources were the most important hydrogen does not itself lead to an development of fuel cells and hydrogen efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emis- increase in CO2 emissions. "Hydrogen technologies in Europe to enable their sions. In the long term, however, technology for vehicles is only viable in commercialisation between 2010 and investment in renewables should be the so far as we guarantee that he hydro- 2020. solution. gen itself is not obtained from fossil The EU is set to contribute some The Commission has proposed energy sources," he said, adding that it 470 million to this research programme simplifying market approval for hydro- could be produced by nuclear power over the next six years and the private gen-powered cars and support research as the "EU does not have anti-nuclear sector is expected to gather the same with 470 million over the next six policy". amount. Reaching the critical mass of years. However, Brussels admits that the JTI research effort in this field is the technology will have little impact N.R. - V.[.

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W H A T I S W R I T T E N I N T H E L A T E S T C O M M U N I C A T I O N F R O M T H E E U R O P E A N C O M M I S S I O N - W E S T B A L K A N S : E N H A N C I N G T H E E U R O P E A N P E R S P E C T I V E G r a n t s a n d l o a n s f i r s t , EU membership after reforms n order to strengthen European per- meeting the necessary conditions. The Ispective of the Western Balkans, Western Balkans has the potential to European Commission prepared a new accelerate their course towards eventu- initiative and submitted it to the al EU membership, provided they pur- Council of EU and European Parliament sue the path of reform and reconcilia- for consideration. The document envis- tion, and meet the necessary condi- ages greater financial assistance for the tions. The EU will assist them in this Balkan countries, support for reforms, endeavour. but also clearly specified conditions that The document claims that the cur- each country must fulfil in order to rent year is a crucial one for the qualify for membership in the EU. Western Balkans and that ultimately, it "The future of the Western Balkans is the democratically elected leaders of lies in the EU. The EU stresses the the region who will determine whether importance of peace, stability and secu- their countries will move decisively for- rity in this part of Europe, and wel- ward towards stability and a European negro, EC warns that the principles of comes all efforts of the Western Balkan future. judicial independence and accountabili- countries to come closer to the EU, In the section concerning Monte- ty need to be fully respected and that the efforts to fight corruption and organ- Montenegro's further progress towards the EU depends on ised crime need to be enhanced. strengthening the rule of law, especially the fight against corrup- "Continuing administrative reform tion and organised crime, enhancing administrative capacity and and strengthening administrative capac- broadening the consensus on state-bbuilding ity will be a key challenge for Montenegro. The implementation of the Interim Agreement and the upgrading of DDAANNIILLOOVVGGRRAADD TTHHEE SSEEAATT preparations to implement the SAA, once ratified, are essential for the fur- ther development of Montenegro's rela- OOFF RREEGGIIOONNAALL SSCCHHOOOOLL tions with the EU. Strengthening uropean Commission confirmed that the Regional School of Public macroeconomic stability and business EAdministration (ReSPA), created in May 2006 in order to boost regional environment will also be important", the cooperation in the field of public administration, strengthen administrative document states. capacities and develop human resources in this field, will be permanently It adds that Montenegro's further established in Danilovgrad. progress towards the EU depends on "The ReSPA Steering Committee already designated Danilovgrad as the strengthening the rule of law, especially future seat of the school. Preparations for the signing of the host country agree- the fight against corruption and organ- ment, providing for the legal personality of ReSPA, have started and the pro- ised crime, enhancing administrative cedures for appointment of the director and recruitment of staff will be capacity and broadening the consensus launched in the course of 2008, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on state-building. among all beneficiaries. The European Institute of Public Administration will be "Satisfactory implementation of the closely involved in the new phase of the ReSPA project, and active coopera- Stabilisation and Association Agreement tion with the national schools of public administration in the Member States is is essential. As soon as Bosnia and Her- also being sought", the document states. zegovina meets the outstanding condi- The EC expressed its support for the establishment of ReSPA and prom- tions, the Stabilisation and Association ised funding for the preparatory stages of the project. The running costs of the Agreement can be signed. The Com- School will be covered by the participating states. mission considers that with the neces- sary political will and consensus, this

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ween the European Parliament and national parliaments. The aim is to transfer best practices and to foster rec- onciliation. "Further development of regional cooperation is an integral part of the Western Balkans' European agenda. The recent transition of the Stability Pact to the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a major positive step. The Commission supports CEFTA, the Energy Community Treaty and the Agreement on a European Common Aviation Area. It also proposes the negotiation of a Western Balkans Transport Community Treaty". "Regional cooperation brings con- crete benefits to the peoples of the Western Balkans and assists them in drawing closer to the EU. It requires can be achieved soon. Serbia has a study in the EU. continued support from the EU and will crucial role to play in ensuring stability, "Efforts to ensure the full participa- be closely monitored by the good neighbourly relations and region- tion of the Western Balkan countries in Commission", EC emphasised. al cooperation in the Western Balkans. Community programmes and agencies The document reminds that the The Commission recalls the European will be stepped up. EC's support to civil Western Balkans will receive around 4 Council conclusions of December 2007 society development and dialogue will billion euros under IPA for the period that progress on the road towards the increase substantially, and a new finan- 2007-2013. This is the equivalent of 30 EU, including candidate status, can be cial facility is being established to that euros per capita per year, by far the accelerated. It calls on Serbia to reaf- end. Coordination with International highest amount provided by the EC to firm its commitment to a future within Financial Institutions, in particular the any region in the world. the European Union" states the docu- EIB and the EBRD, and with bilateral "The European Investment Bank ment presented by the EU Enlargement donors will be stepped up in order to will increase its lending to the region Commissioner Olli Rehn on 5 March. Kosovo is a special case - the EU European Investment Bank will increase its lending to the region emphasised its commitment to support (from a total of 1.9 billion euros for 2005-22007, to an estimated Kosovo's political and economic devel- 2.8 billion for the period 2008-22010). This includes lending covered opment because Kosovo has, like the by the Community budget guarantee and lending at EIB's own risk rest of the Western Balkans, a clear and concrete EU perspective. mobilise grants and loans for moderni- (from a total of 1.9 billion euros for "Basic issues of state building, good sation and development. EC, the EIB, 2005-2007, to an estimated 2.8 billion governance, administrative and judicial the EBRD and the Council of for the period 2008-2010). This reform, rule of law including the fight Europe Development Bank com- includes lending covered by the against corruption and organised crime, mitted to establish a Western Balkans Community budget guarantee and reconciliation, socioeconomic develop- Investment Framework by 2010 with lending at EIB's own risk. EIB lending ment, and civil society development, are other IFIs and donors. A Western activities in the Western Balkans focus key reform priorities for the Western Balkans Infrastructure primarily on projects in the areas of Balkans. Full cooperation with the Initiative is being launched by the transport, energy, small and medium- International Criminal Tribunal for former Commission and a number of IFIs and sized enterprises, environment, munici- Yugoslavia (ICTY) remains a condition on bilateral donors. pal infrastructure, education and health. the way towards the EU for the coun- The EC is analysing the feasibility A major effort is being made in sup- tries concerned", states the document. of further initiatives that would increase port of Kosovo. More than 1 billion euros EC reminds that it has started a the leverage of actions in support of the from different EU financial instruments dialogue with all concerned countries in EU's strategic objectives in the region", are planned to assist Kosovo's develop- the region to establish as soon as pos- the document states. ment and to finance the international sible road-maps on the conditions for European Commission insists on presence for the period 2007-2010. lifting the visa requirement and increase the strengthening of parliamentary the number of scholarships granted to cooperation among the Western Balkan N. RUDOVI] students from the Western Balkans to countries, as well as cooperation bet- V. []EPANOVI]

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 17 F r o m m y p o i n t o f v i e w M a r c h , 2 0 0 8 Why do I want to be a citizen of Europe?

pioning national labels over citi- it to be. But non-democracy zenship, freedom and courage as European way is not the same the primary judge of one's destiny. thing as non-democracy Balkan Belonging to a nation of citizens is way. Democratic tradition of the a guarantee of European values, EU countries champions the and a first step towards European peaceful, civic approach in con- working standards for European liv- trast to the rigid national interests ing standards. Anything else is typ- that reign in the Balkans, often ically Balkanic. culminating in warmongering rhet- by @eljko Vidakovi} The question is, of course, oric. Once the enemies of the what is Europe and where are its times of old that always stood on n a village school close to borders. The question weighs the opposite sides in every war IMojkovac, a primary school stu- heavily especially after the 2004 decided to set aside their narrow dent answered the exam question: Great Enlargement. Today among national interests and exchange "What is the difference between the members of the EU are not them for economic development the mountains in the North and Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, West the United Europe became possi- the mountains in the South", with Balkan countries and several ble. Military resources were sacri- a simple and clear: Everything! midget states in Europe. Europe ficed on the altar of enduring Guided by this simple logic with- EU citizens are citizens of their own countries, but they are all cit- out redundant elaborations, my izens of Europe, with equal rights and freedoms to work, travel, answer to the question "Why do I trade in goods and capital. In order to become a part of this safer want to be a citizen of Europe?" future, part of a rational, prosperous environment, we ought to stop could be simply: In order to be a calling on to our epic and heroic legends citizen. I will nevertheless try to elaborate on this desire, in an today is bordering Ukraine, Turkey, peace, instead of sacrificing the attempt to explain why a citizen, Belarus and Moldova. Are those peace itself. EU citizens are citi- and why Europe. the final borders of an enlarged zens of their own countries, but Not so long ago in our coun- Europe? From the standpoint of they are all citizens of Europe, tries individuals would qualify for Russia and Turkey, a portion of with equal rights and freedoms to certain advantages by being mem- each country is geographically on work, travel, trade in goods and bers of a given nation in a given the European continent, more so capital. In order to become a part moment, not by the virtue of being in Russia than in Turkey, propor- of this safer future, part of a loyal citizens of a state. The Yugo- tionally speaking. Yet while it is rational, prosperous environment, communist principle of the nation- possible to imagine Turkey as an we ought to stop calling on to our al key which decided on the access EU member, it is difficult to imag- epic and heroic legends, exchange to university, promotions, office, ine Russia. EU is obviously inter- them for European standards and housing and many other benefits ested in some countries and not in proudly contribute our natural worked miracles for manipulation others. The political moment in beauties to the map of EU. It will of the masses. Today, at the end of the EU varies: once upon a time prettier, and our lives better. the first decade of the second mil- UK was denied accession, while Given that the whole of lennium certain people still insist Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Montenegrin territory safely that every third person employed Bulgaria were easily embraced. belongs to the European continent in public administration should be Not even EU is always as European and that our new Constitution "theirs", waving aside merit, cham- and democratic as one would like aims to establish a civic state, it

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 18 F r o m m y p o i n t o f v i e w M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

the EU travelled all phases of eco- nomic integration, erasing customs and borders, trade and production barriers and focusing on economic matters, while leaving political inte- gration for later. To me, this is a proof of European pragmatism. In the Balkans politics always come first, stirring the spirits of nation- hood, borders, history, heritage, and always ending up in bloodshed and senseless wars. If I had no other reasons to support EU, this would be one. Only as European citizens can me more on from wars and murder to work and creativity. From this perspective, EU is the bastion of accountability and absence of corruption, independ- ent judiciary and professional police. Yet we must try to build Europe "at home" before formally seems to me that being a citizen of the European space offer enormous acceding to the Union. Once we Europe is a dream that may soon opportunities for a tiny, flexible sys- all believe in it and behave come true. Montenegro has no tem like Montenegro. My belief in accordingly, we will be Europe. other plan to achieve stability, our chances is only strengthened by Displays of civic courage, like it is democracy, rule of law, protection the successful implementation of done in the EU in response to of human and minority rights and education programmes on even the slightest mishaps of pub- safeguard competition. We can European integration and by the lic administration will testify that only become equal players in the enthusiasm in the population for we are on the right track, on the world's largest economic zone if such programmes, and I speak from European track. I believe that this we play by the European rules. my own experience. My hopes are is our road and that there are more and more like-minded peo- The stricter the conditions for entry to the EU club the better our ple every day, on all levels. I would prospects to complete the transition as a healthy society, ready to like us to become citizens of face the challenges of the future Europe as soon as possible so that Citizens know that, and support rising with the possibility of using the others can join us too, those European integrations in great additional resources from the that think alike but are afraid to numbers. European funds to attain a status of say so in order to defend their Few Montenegrins know any- an equal member of the family of means of existence. You can speak thing about EU except for the most rich, developed countries, and I am your mind in Europe without fear- basic facts, and yet most of the cit- ready to stand up publicly for my ing consequences, and we must izens eagerly support the prospect ambition to become a citizen of win this freedom as a constructive of EU membership. Their reason is Europe. This transition can only contribution of free citizens to the the same as of those who study the ensure that we can face all chal- democratic development of our origin, development and function- lenges, for it will bring the best and country. The more of us say it ing of EU - to be able to live of the brightest to all levels of decision loudly, the better our chances for one's own work. The stricter the making. Citizens of Europe can our wish to come true. conditions for entry to the EU club wield numerous other mechanisms the better our prospects to com- to make their rulers accountable, The author is a manager of an plete the transition as a healthy many of which we lack or an insurance society. He attended VI society ready to face the chal- unable to use at the moment. generation of European Integration lenges. Strict competition rules in I am reassured by the fact that School

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A F T E R A S H O C K I N G R E P O R T O N P A Y M E N T S T O A S S I S T A N T S , E U R O P E A N P A R L I A M E N T R E F U S E D T O P U B L I S H E X P E N S E S Cover-ups ruining reputation

he European Union's anti-fraud Tagency is to investigate whether parliamentarians have been pocket- ing staff allowances after a damning internal audit. OLAF, the anti-fraud office, said on Wednesday it had asked for a copy of the confidential report, which exposes misuse of the 140 million euros annual staff budget. The report reveals cases of people claiming for staff they do not employ and routing payments through fake agencies. Shocked MEPs who read the report called in the financial watchdog. Its contents were "dyna- mite", said Chris Davies, a British Liberal. "These allegations?should lead to the imprisonment of a num- ber of MEPs," he said. "It is fraud and embezzlement on a massive scale", he said, reports EurAktiv. Only members of the budgetary control committee such as Mr Davies can enter the locked room to read the report. They cannot take notes and must sign a confidentiality agreement. An internal parliament auditor examined 167 payments to MEPs' assistants in 2004 and 2005. He did European Parliament not name the deputies, but warned against excessive discretion of MEPs The parliament said the report did not reveal cases of fraud but in paying their assistants: the MEP exposed weaknesses in the system. "It is too complicated and not can basically choose between direct what MEPs are elected to do," it said employment, a service provider or an agent. exposed weaknesses in the system. by the parliament's secretary-general The report, written by a "It is too complicated and not what shortly would give all MEPs the same Parliament auditor, called for a status MEPs are elected to do," it said. rules, with assistants possibly for assistants under which they would There are three systems and dif- employed under Belgian law. be employed and paid directly by ferent social security requirements in Paul van Buitenen, whose alle- the Parliament, which was already each of the 27 member states. Many gations brought down the European proposed by the Commission in MEPs use "service providers", usually Commission in 1999 and who is now 1998 but was not approved by the a bookkeeper, to process payments an MEP, read the report. Failure to Council. and ensure that social security address the problem would swell the The parliament said the report arrangements are met. eurosceptic vote in elections next did not reveal cases of fraud but Reforms that are to be proposed year, he said.

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In the meantime, MEPs have euros each, for travel and subsis- ly amount every MEP receives to pay agreed to reform their pay and tence. his staff. expenses. Salaries will be equalised "Some members wanted disclo- The report also lists cases in and MEPs will have to provide sure. There is a feeling that we which payments were made to a receipts for most spending. aren't quite there yet," said a senior service provider carrying out activities Parliamentarians receive more official. "There is gradual progress without any relation to the than 15000 euros a month for staff towards people feeling that it is in Parliament's activities, such as the and 4000 for a constituency office. the interest of members themselves timber trade, or where the organisa- They also receive 287 euros a day to think about what the wider world tion in question in fact belonged to living expenses when attending ses- thinks of us." the MEP himself. sions, a travel allowance and 4000 Pressure on parliamentarians is Asked whether he was afraid of euros a year for trips outside the EU. mounting to publicise the payments the potential impact on Parliament's However, members of the made to their assistants, after Dutch image with the next elections just 15 European parliament have rejected a MEP Paul van Buitenen published a months away, van Buitenen replied draft ruling that they should publish summary of a confidential Com- that keeping the results secret would how much they pay their staff and mittee report on detailing abuses of be even more damaging to the image claim on expenses in a move set to the current payment system. of the institution. fuel the debate over their use of tax- The van Buitenen paper, pub- Last December's Eurobarometer payers' money. lished on his website on 5 March, revealed that citizens have lost trust The European ombudsman said identifies contracts provided to assis- in the European institutions. in September that MEPs should detail tants through a service provider as However, the figures were higher for staff wage bills and expenses claims. those which bear the highest risk of those who trust them than those who The Financial Times has learned that manipulation, because they remain do not. in a reply sent last Friday, the bureau vague regarding the tasks the assis- Martin Schulz, German leader of of senior MEPs who run the house tants are supposed to fulfil. the Socialists in EP, criticised the dis- refused, citing privacy concerns. For instance, no clause limits the closure of the auditor's report, saying However, for the first time they monthly payments that can be made that it displays a disregard for inter- have agreed to publish how much to a single contractor. The MEP's nal rules. He, however, underlined each of the 785 members is entitled summary reveals a case in which a that he was strongly supporting the to, and for what. In 2006 they were single assistant received a total salary recommendations of the report, par- granted 135 million eurosto pay of 15,496 euros, provided through a ticularly regarding the adoption of an staff and 70 million, almost 100000 service provider, which is the month- assistants' statute. British Liberal Democrat MEP There is gradual progress towards people feeling that it is in the Chris Davies, a substitute on the interest of members themselves to think about what the wider Budgetary Control Committee, told world thinks of us, says one senior EP official the Financial Times that the allega- tions ..."should lead to the imprison- ment of a number of MEPs." The office of Nils Lundgren, the PPUUBBLLIICC''SS RRIIGGHHTT TTOO KKNNOOWW Swedish Vice-Chairman of the Committee showed sympathy for van TTRRUUMMPPSS PPRRIIVVAACCYY CCOONNCCEERRNNSS Buitenen's cause of increasing trans- f dissatisfied with the response of the Parliament, Ombudsman Nikiforos parency, but chose to respect IDiamandouros could take legal action. His September 2006 draft ruling fol- Parliament's rules first, which prohib- lowed a 2005 complaint from a journalist refused details of what the five it the publication of internal docu- Maltese MEPs claimed in allowances. ments without approval by the sec- The parliament said at the time that scrutiny from its own budgetary con- retariat. Lundgren said that he had trol committee and the court of auditors was sufficient. It cited data protec- been lobbying his fellow committee tion concerns. members to make the report public, But the European data protection supervisor judged that the public right but "the coalition of Conservatives to know trumped privacy consideration and Mr Diamandouros ruled that the and Socialists has simply been too expenses of members and their assistants should be published. strong". Many MEPs fear the elections could be dominated by outrage about gen- erous pay and perks. British and Scandinavian MEPs have called for more trans- N. RUDOVI] parency, but those from Mediterranean countries have been less supportive. V. []EPANOVI]

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 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 M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

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 Eurojargon Federalism: Broadly speaking, this means any system of government where several states form a unity and yet remain ASSOCIATION OF independent in their internal affairs. EUROPEAN People who are in favour of this system are often called "federalists". A number of JOURNALISTS countries around the world - e.g. EJ is a pan-European non-governmen- Australia, Canada, Germany, Switzerland Atal organisation based in Belgium, with and the United States - have federal more than 20 national sections across EU. models of government, in which some It has NGO status with UNESCO and the matters (such as foreign policy) are decid- Council of Europe and is a member of the eople within the EU institutions and in ed at the federal level while others are European Movement. the media dealing with EU affairs often decided by the individual states. However, The AEJ was set up in 1961by a group P of journalist from the then six founding use 'eurojargon' words and expressions the model differs from one country to countries of European Community. The another. The European Union is not based that they alone understand. Eurojargon founders were led by the idea that an asso- can be very confusing to the general pub- on any of these models: it is not a feder- ciation was necessary to promote solidarity lic, which is the reason we decided to ation but a unique form of union in and integration of European countries and introduce those terms for the benefit of which the member states remain inde- contribute to democratisation of the those who are new yet entirely comfort- pendent and sovereign nations while European integration processes. able with the field of EU integrations. pooling their sovereignty in many areas of The goals of AEJ have not change, European integration: This means common interest. This gives them a col- and they constitute the basis of its activi- ties, through demands for the freedom of building unity between European coun- lective strength and influence on the world stage than none of them could information and freedom of the media in tries and peoples. Within the European Europe. Union it means that countries pool their have on their own. Part of the debate Most activities of the AEJ are arranged resources and take many decisions jointly. about the future of Europe is the question by the sections at national level. However, This joint decision-making takes place of whether the EU should or should not one of the aims of the international associ- through interaction between the EU insti- become more 'federal'. ation is to create links between individual tutions (the Parliament, the Council, the Financial perspective: The word journalists; to exchange contacts, informa- Commission, etc.). Although initially inte- 'perspective' here really means 'plan'. The tion and ideas. graiton was a purely economic enterprise, EU has to plan its work well in advance AEJ is governed by a General Assembly, an executive committee, elected it was always based upon a political idea and ensure that it has enough money to officers and the general secretariat. The pay for what it wants to do. So its main of drawing together european states. executive committee consists of all the Economic integration lead to cooperation institutions (Parliament, the Council and national section secretaries and some elect- spillovers in other areas. the Commission) have to agree in ed members. European Year of…: Every year or advance on the priorities for the next few Each year one of the sections hosts two, the EU or the Council of Europe may years and come up with a spending plan, the AEJ's annual congress, where the dis- draw public attention to a particular which was earlier called a 'financial per- cussion revolves around current issues European issue by organising a series of spective' but is now better known as a regarding the position of journalists and journalism in Europe, rights to information, special events in connection with it. 'financial framework'. This financial per- spective or framework states the maxi- and freedom of the media. The General Europe Day, 9th May: It was on 9 Assembly debates and can pass resolutions May 1950 that Robert Schuman (then mum amount the EU can spend, and on current cases where journalistic free- French Foreign Minister) made his famous what it can spend it on. The purpose of doms are in jeopardy. speech proposing European integration as the financial perspective is to keep EU In November 2007 AEJ published the the way to secure peace and build pros- expenditure under control in spite of results of a research into the freedom of the perity in post-war Europe. His proposals growing costs. media in Europe. The title of the survey is laid the foundations for what is now the Fortress Europe: This expression is "Goodbye to Freedom?" and the authors European Union, so 9 May is celebrated often used to mean an attitude that wants warn that media freedom in Europe have been jeopardised by the ever-growing polit- annually as the EU's birthday. to defend Europe from outside influences, ical and economic pressures on free and in- especially cultural influences. The term Eurosceptic: This term is often used dependent media. The survey can be found to mean a person who is opposed to 'Fortress Europe' often appears in discus- at the association's website: www.aej.org. European integration or who is 'sceptical' sions about asylum and immigration reg- of the EU and its aims. ulations. Prepared by: Petar \UKANOVI]

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Panel discussion "Montenegro and NNGGOO-- GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt EU: Opportunities and Challenges" ccooooppeerraattiioonn ffoorr EEuurrooppeeaann iinntteeggrraattiioonnss

n the course of March two meetings Iwere held between representatives of non-governmental organisations working in the area of European inte- grations in Montenegro and the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integrations and ithin the Leadership Develop- "only seems like a success story" in the Secretariat for European Integrations Wment Programme (LDP), con- context of the problems facing other (SEI) in order to discuss Com- ducted with support of the College of countries in the region. Executive munication Strategy for 2007 and Europe, Transfuse organisation and director of Centre for Democracy and define Memorandum on cooperation Robert Bosch Stiftung, on 3 March Human Rights (CEDEM), Nenad between NGOs and SEI as well as the 2008 in Podgorica NGO representatives Koprivica, said that the public ought to Action Plan for implementation of the met for a panel discussion "Montenegro have more information on the essence Communication Strategy for 2008. and EU: Opportunities and Challenges". of the accession process, and noted At the first meeting on 3 March In their analysis of Montenegrin inte- that the public support for integration 2008 the two parties outlined the gration into EU the participants focused has decreased slightly in the last year. main points of the documents and especially on the political and econom- Ivana Vojinovi}, analyst from the establish their mutual obligations for ic implications of the process, as well Institute for Strategic Studies, said that their improvement. SEI coordinated as on the public attitude towards Montenegro needs to adjust its budg- the process of gathering information, membership in European Union. etary structure in the pre-accession comments and suggestions. On 18 Daliborka Uljarevi}, director of period and decrease public expendi- March, the two parties agreed on Centre for Civic Education emphasised ture, which is only likely to suffer fur- the basic documents regarding that Montenegro lacks "civic courage, ther from additional strains once cooperation between Secretariat for which in conjunction with rampant Montenegro becomes a member and European Integrations and non-gov- populism and short-term memory of ceases to be a net aid recipient. ernmental organisations. The results the public slows down the progress The discussion was organised by of meeting were a joint Report, towards EU". According to her, the LDP fellows group from Montenegro, finalisation of the Action plan for main challenges for Montenegro in this Italy, Albania and Bosnia and 2008 and most importantly, comple- process are organised crime, corruption Herzegovina. More information about tion of the future Memorandum that on all levels and administrative capac- the programme can be found at will soon be signed by SEI and all ities, with the result that Montenegro www.seeyoungleaders.org interested NGOs. Training on writing policy papers

ne of the ways to influence politi- organised for NGO activists in Kotor managed to influence certain position Ocal processes and the development from 22 to 23 March. processes and decisions in their societies of government's public policy is to write The participants had an opportuni- through precisely this mechanism. policy proposals, in the specialist circles ty to learn what a policy paper is, how The even was organised by known as policy papers. to design it, learn about different phas- Foundation Open Society Institute, Many NGOs on the international es of writing and finally make sure the Regional Office in Montenegro, and scene use policy papers as key mecha- proposal reaches the decision makers. conducted by the trainers from Centre nisms to put pressure on the decision- In addition to learning the skills rel- for Development of Non-Governmental makers. evant to writing a position paper, the Organisations and Centre for Mo- "Introduction to writing policy participants were introduced to examples nitoring, Goran \urovi} and Zlatko papers" was the topic of a training of organisations and individuals who Vujovi}.

E u r o p e a n p u l s e N o 3 0 23 E d u c a t i o n p r o g r a m m e s i n E U M a r c h , 2 0 0 8

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

MA IN ADVANCED pean Integration, Democracy and Society, Federalism. EUROPEAN AND This program is supported by the European INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Union. For more information, you are welcome to Istanbul, Nice, Berlin consult our web site at: www.iehei.org Scholarship / Financial aid: scholarships avail- Please address further requests to: Students able Service Date: 9 months (From October to July) 10 avenue des Fleurs Deadline: May 31st, 2008 06000 NICE - France Open to: students from International Relations, Email: [email protected] European Integration, Democracy and Society, phone: +33 (0)4 93 97 93 70 Federalism Fax: +33 (0)4 93 97 93 71 Applications for Scholarships in Master in Advanced European and International Studies MASTER PROGRAM ON (M.A.E.I.S.) at Institut Europeen des Hautes expected to work across various disciplines. Etudes Internationales (Nice/France) is open! EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES Participants have to be fluent in English. In The Master Program offers the unique oppor- Freie Universitet, Berlin, Germany addition, basic knowledge of at least one East tunity to learn Europe "in Europe" and devel- Scholarship / Financial aid: two scholarships European language is needed - yet this linguis- op perspectives for Europe's future. The pro- (2,000 € each) offered tic proficiency can be developed during the gramme includes semesters in Istanbul, Nice Date: october 2008 duration of the program. and Berlin and guarantees an international Deadline: April 30 2008 Participants must have adequate electronic education with an excellent academic staff and Open to: postgraduates equipment at their disposal that is able to deal environment. EES Online, one of Germany's Top Ten with various multimedia material. Internet access A limited number of full and partial scholar- International Master's Programs, offers you and a personal email account are mandatory. ships are available for qualified candidates. advanced education and training in regard to For the time being, tuition fees amount to Deadline for scholarship applications for the one of the most intriguing parts of the world: 4,450 € per year of study plus the regular reg- M.A.E.I.S.: Eastern Europe. We work with state-of-the-art istration fees of the Freie Universität Berlin, The deadline for scholarship applications is communication technology that won the Freie namely 176.36 € per year (cf. our tuition statute May 31st, 2008 Universität Berlin e-learning award 2006 for and its latest revision). Costs arising from the in- In any case, applications and especially request outstanding blended-learning initiatives. Our house classes must be paid by the students for financial aid should reach the I.EH.E.I. as accredited program provides you with in-depth themselves (travel expenses, room and board). early as possible in order to be considered knowledge on topics related to this exciting and Selection criteria are: under the best conditions. fast growing region. Your career will gain - quality of the university degree (overall Deadline for Master Applications: momentum while you can stay in the job. grade) The deadline for applications is on July 31st, Realize your ambitions and join our EES Online - particular eligibility for the East European 2008. international community in October 2008. We Studies Online Master's program according Curriculum Highlights: Students who success- are looking forward to meeting and supporting to the mission statement fully complete the program acquire 60 ECTS you. Contact us for any question or advice. - English proficiency credits. In addition to the stays in Istanbul, Applications are welcome till April 30. Please - details on previous education, training and Nice, Berlin, the Institute offers a study trip to apply online. career experience that are relevant to the East European and international organizations in Admission European Studies Online Master's program. Geneva, Strasbourg, and Brussels. Participants must be postgraduate, that is, a Successful candidates must register at the Freie Program Value: The program is taught by prior university degree (B.A., M.A., Diploma, Universität Berlin during the first in-house academics from various European countries, state examination etc.) is required. Preferably classes in Berlin. They then have to provide as well as experts from research institutions this degree has been obtained in humanities or the original of their university diploma as well and international organizations. Over the last social sciences (including law and economics). as a certified translation where required (will years, the Institute has graduated 5000 stu- But exceptions for applicants of other fields are be handed back after being checked). dents coming from more than 80 different possible under certain conditions. An interest Are offered two scholarships (2,000 € each) for countries, having offered them many scholar- in Eastern Europe is important, meaning the particularly qualified and needy students. ship opportunities. desire to increase one's knowledge of this fas- Further information at: http://www.ees- Subject Areas: International Relations, Euro- cinating part of the world. Participants are online.org/index.html

EIC Bulletin -EEuropean pulse is electronic magazine established within EIC programme, with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The publisher is Centre for Civic Education. EIC Bulletin -EEuropean pulse 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 -EEuropean pulse can be downloaded at the www.cgo.cg.yu

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