In this issue:

Renewed Council support for Western Balkans visa liberalisation

The European Union’s External Relations Council on 15 June restated its support for the dialogue on visa liberalisation with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Enlargement and the power of civil society

The fall of the Iron Curtain and the 2004 enlargement are "shining examples of the importance and the power civil society can and must have in a functioning democracy", said European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, presenting a review of "EU Enlargement five years on – a balance sheet and what next" at the European Economic and Social Committee plenary debate in Brussels on 10 June.

Albania enters new phase of links with EU

The first meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between the European Union and Albania was held on 18 May, following the entry into force on 1 April of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Reform, not rhetoric, urged in Bosnia and Herzegovina

"The unconstructive political atmosphere and the recent actions challenging the Dayton Peace Agreement" in Bosnia and Herzegovina provoked expressions of concern at the European Union’s External Relations Council on 15 June. Once again, the Council called upon all political leaders in the country "to refrain from nationalist rhetoric, and genuinely focus on bringing forward the necessary reform agenda in the general interest of the country and its citizens."

Croatia’s progress still impeded by border dispute

Commissioner Rehn held another round of talks with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr Zbogar of Slovenia and Mr Jandrokovic of Croatia on 18 June.

Operational capacity for EULEX Kosovo* welcomed

The initial results achieved by the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo*, EULEX Kosovo*, were welcomed by the May General Affairs and External Relations Council. *:Under UNSCR 1244/1999

Turkey hears conditions – and reassurances

European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn represented the European Commission at the EU-Turkey Association Council on 19 May.

Boosting scholarships for students from the Western Balkans

A European conference on scholarships for students from the Western Balkans was held in Brussels in June. Representatives of the EU member states, EFTA/EEA and Western Balkan countries discussed ways to enhance scholarships offered to the students from the Western Balkans.

Henrik Hololei appointed Deputy Director-General for Enlargement

The European Commission has appointed Henrik Hololei as Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Enlargement. He will support the Director-General in the overall management of the Directorate-General and its 400 staff members, replacing the Director-General as needed and representing him in high-level negotiations and contacts.

Small businesses in the Western Balkans

A conference in Brussels on 17-18 June on the implementation of the European Charter for Small Enterprises in the Western Balkans offered the opportunity to learn about developments in the business environment in the Western Balkans region.

For further information:

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