The development of transport and energy networks in the South-East Europe region
is an important means of improving links within the region and integrating the
countries of the area into the political and economic mainstream of Europe.
The regional dimension of a future Community strategy and assistance will be given special attention, with the view to stepping up regional co-operation between all countries in South-Eastern Europe in the context of the Stability Pact. During the last ten years, reforms oriented towards the establishment of a market economy and the strengthening of institutions have been introduced in all countries of the region.
Improving transport and energy infrastructure in the region and integrating the countries of South-Eastern Europe to the rest of Europe is important in order to support better quality of life through economic growth, regional integration, social cohesion and adequate environmental conditions.
The European Union is in the process of rapidly completing the internal electricity and gas markets. There are strong arguments for extending the internal electricity and gas markets outside the borders of the Community, but the creation of a level playing field and equivalent environmental and safety standards is a central element for a wider European electricity and gas market to function effectively. The process of inclusion of such countries goes considerably beyond simple questions of open trade between the European Union and its neighbours under more general international trade obligations. It involves the active creation of a real integrated market, free of any barriers.
The European Commission retains the overall co-ordination, setting political/technical goals and organising donors. Financial institutions as well as bilateral donors are part of the Donors Group for South East Europe, particularly the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the German Development Bank (KfW), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Canadian Agency for International Development (CIDA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the European Commission, France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Germany. The Commission is the major donor in the region financing projects at national and regional level.
In support of the process, the Commission will be providing impartial secretariat support and will help to build the mechanisms necessary for the smooth operation of the Regional Energy Market Development.
Contact:
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR ENERGY AND TRANSPORT
Chrysoula.Argyriou@cec.eu.int
The regional dimension of a future Community strategy and assistance will be given special attention, with the view to stepping up regional co-operation between all countries in South-Eastern Europe in the context of the Stability Pact. During the last ten years, reforms oriented towards the establishment of a market economy and the strengthening of institutions have been introduced in all countries of the region.
Improving transport and energy infrastructure in the region and integrating the countries of South-Eastern Europe to the rest of Europe is important in order to support better quality of life through economic growth, regional integration, social cohesion and adequate environmental conditions.
The European Union is in the process of rapidly completing the internal electricity and gas markets. There are strong arguments for extending the internal electricity and gas markets outside the borders of the Community, but the creation of a level playing field and equivalent environmental and safety standards is a central element for a wider European electricity and gas market to function effectively. The process of inclusion of such countries goes considerably beyond simple questions of open trade between the European Union and its neighbours under more general international trade obligations. It involves the active creation of a real integrated market, free of any barriers.
The European Commission retains the overall co-ordination, setting political/technical goals and organising donors. Financial institutions as well as bilateral donors are part of the Donors Group for South East Europe, particularly the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the German Development Bank (KfW), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Canadian Agency for International Development (CIDA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the European Commission, France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Germany. The Commission is the major donor in the region financing projects at national and regional level.
In support of the process, the Commission will be providing impartial secretariat support and will help to build the mechanisms necessary for the smooth operation of the Regional Energy Market Development.
Contact:
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR ENERGY AND TRANSPORT
Chrysoula.Argyriou@cec.eu.int
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