WUNENBERGER ON NEW EC PROPOSAL FOR WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES

ZAGREB, May 21 (Hina) - The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday approved a proposal for the establishment of partnership relations between the European Union and countries of the Western Balkans aimed at strengthening relations between the EU and South-East Europe, the head of the EC Delegation in Croatia, Ambassador Jacques Wunenberger, said in Zagreb. #L# The purpose of this new proposal for a partnership between the EC and Western Balkan countries is the strengthening of relations between the EU and the region, Wunenberger said. He stressed that the proposal had to be buttressed by the EU Council and European Parliament. The only problem which might occur is the way of financing and the amount of funds, he added. The EC wants countries in the region to transform from potential to true candidates for membership of the EU, Wunenberger said, adding that on the road to the EU each country would be evaluated according to its individual achievements. The new European integration partnerships should identify action priorities in preparations for the integration of Western Balkan countries with the EU. According to Wunenberger, this is a document which will be drawn up for each country following negotiations with their respective governments, from whom the EC expects to draft an action plan with specific deadlines. (hina) lml sb