The European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn has presented a Communication relating to measures to promote closer convergence between the Western Balkans (Macedonia, Serbia Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, Albania) and the dynamics of Europe with a view to their possible future membership of the Eu. The Communication, which forms part of the wider EU strategy of aid to the region in the “realization of European aspirations”, aims to contribute to the definition of accords of stabilization and association. In particular, Brussels has given the go ahead to the conclusion of a free trade agreement between the EU and the Western Balkans and the extension to the area of the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy and the European Charter of Small and Medium Businesses. Moreover, measures are being planned to facilitate the issuing of visas, and promote the exchange of students and professionals thanks to study and work grants, in order to open a dialogue with local civil society on European issues and permit the Balkan partners to participate in the trans-national cooperation programmes funded by the EU.
