Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2010-12-14-Speech-2-614"
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"en.20101214.39.2-614"2
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"I will provide succinct answers to both questions.
The main objective of the cross-border cooperation programmes is to support the development of a common socio-economic environment for people, communities and economies, including the delivery of technical assistance. This should prepare countries to manage future cross-border programmes under the European territorial cooperation objectives of the European Union Structural Funds.
Cross-border cooperation programmes between the Western Balkan countries also aim at overcoming the legacy of the past conflicts. Cross-border programmes under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance within the Western Balkans started in 2007. The results have so far been very positive. In the framework of their cross-border programmes, both Croatia and Serbia showed readiness to cooperate in the areas lying on either side of the Danube River. The annual allocation for the Croatia-Serbia cross-border programme amounts to EUR 1.8 million. This allocation of funds is used for providing grants to small joint projects proposed by local stakeholders in a variety of sectors such as the economy, culture, tourism, the environment and social issues.
Project beneficiaries include municipalities, NGOs, chambers of commerce or cultural institutions. Large cross-border infrastructure projects, such as the project referred to in the question, are neither within the scope nor the objectives of the cross-border cooperation component of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance. The Commission might consider funding such projects under component one for Serbia – which is institution building – and component three for Croatia – which falls under regional development – if the respective authorities in Croatia and Serbia so request.
As for the second question, if I may continue. As mentioned in the written reply to a previous question by the honourable Member numbered, the European Commission is aware of the deplorable incident in Himarë and is closely following developments. The alleged perpetrator has turned himself in to the police and is awaiting trial. The Albanian authorities bear the full responsibility for the efficient investigation of the facts and the equitable trial of those responsible.
The Commission will be monitoring the processing of this case in conformity with the principles of human rights and the rule of law. In this question, the honourable Member also provides details of other incidents. Albania and Greece are closely linked by history. It is very much in the interests of both countries that they continue their cooperation and overcome any nationalist and extremist ideas which have been at the root of much misfortune suffered by the whole region in the past.
The Commission has repeatedly stressed the need for a strict enforcement of the rule of law and for full respect of human rights, notably the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities. All applicant countries are aware of the importance of fulfilling these criteria for progress towards the European Union.
In its recent opinion the Commission commented positively on inter-ethnic relations in Albania. However, efforts are still needed to enforce respect for and protection of minorities."@en1
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