"Check against delivery”

Deputy Minister Mr Kim Traavik

Statement At the Ministerial Conference on EU Integration Support

Ljubljana, 17 September 2004

Let me begin by paying tribute to Slovenia’s leadership in the process of bringing the countries of the Western Balkans closer to the EU, thereby contributing to further expansion of the European zone of stability and prosperity.

The establishment of the centre for EU Integration Support and the holding of today’s conference are testimony to Slovenia’s dedication and determination in this regard. We look forward to observing the growth and development of the Centre, and are confident opportunities for co-operation will materialize.

We share the view of Slovenia and others that the international community must not allow its attention to stray from the Western Balkans.

While much progress has been made, much also remains to be done. In order to avoid setbacks such as the one in Kosovo last March, the international community must stay the course. And we must be ready to reassess and restructure our efforts in light of changing circumstances.

Historically, Norway has strong ties to the Western Balkans. Over the last decade we have maintained a significant engagement in the region, both politically and economically.

In recent years we have provided civilian project assistance totaling nearly a 100 million Euro a year to the countries of the region. We are committed to maintaining this high level of support and co-operation also in the future, with special emphasis on efforts to integrate the region into Euro-Atlantic structures.

In planning our own activities, we are always mindful of the need to act in support of the broader EU programs and processes and of the need to produce synergies.

There can of course be no doubt that closer ties with the EU is the main incentive for reform in the region. The 2003 Thessaloniki Declaration represents a significant recognition of the progress made and gives a clear perspective for EU membership. And the Stabilisation and Association processes provide the roadmap.

The Stability Pact adds a crucial regional dimension.

Mr Chairman, let me briefly mention two priority areas in which we will continue to offer support to the countries of the region.

First, we will continue to offer governments of the region expertise in organising and structuring public administration. Alignment with EU standards of course requires a streamlined and efficient central administration. In this area we have launched a number of projects and co-operation with the governments of Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia and Croatia.

Second, a well functioning judiciary and a well-trained and democratic police force are fundamental conditions for success in the border reform efforts. That is why high priority must be given to judicial and police reform. Security sector reform in the broadest sense is obviously pivotal for peaceful and democratic development to take hold.

Hence, we have launched concrete projects in cooperation with several of the countries of the region. I would like to mention specifically a project providing for training and equipment of police in Serbia which is predicated on twinning arrangements between police forces in Norway and Serbia.

But we cannot focus exclusively on police reform, however important that is. We must also address other parts of the judicial chain. To that end, my government has recently established a Judiciary Chain Response Pool.

This is a pool of experts and specialist personnel from the police, courts, public prosecution and prison sectors. The idea is that teams of experts from several or all these fields are available to be dispatched, if need be at short notice, on missions involving for example professional training and institutional reform.

The idea is furthermore to ensure a holistic approach to security sector reform.

To conclude, let me assure you once again that Norway intends to remain engaged in the region. We are committed to work with our European partners, including Slovenia, as well as the countries of the region with a view to facilitating the integration of the latter in Euro-Atlantic co-operation.

Thank you for your attention.