The Regional Conference jointly organized by the European Commission and the World Bank in close consultation with the Stability Pact Special Coordinator, took place over two days. The first day was held at ministerial level and focused on the framework for regional development and integration. In this context, the Special Coordinator provided a detailed assessment of the progress made so far under the Stability Pact, the World Bank presented a Regional Strategy Paper and the European Commission explained the approach of the EU to the integration of South East Europe into European structures. In addition, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) presented regional frameworks for the development of infrastructure and the private sector. During the Conference, countries of the region also each presented a program of measures to achieve Stability Pact objectives. The first day was chaired jointly by Christopher Patten, Member of the European Commission, and James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group.

The second day was a technical meeting held at the senior official level. The EIB, the EBRD, and representatives of Working Table I (democratization and human rights) and Working Table III (security issues) of the Stability Pact presented proposals for regional projects and initiatives to be financed. These included a quick-start package of priority infrastructure projects.

Donors were requested to inform the meeting of their expected support to the region in two ways: firstly by announcing the expected overall financial envelope available to the region as a whole over the next two years (2000-2001); and secondly by making specific pledges to the regional projects and initiatives presented on the second day of the Conference.

Source: The World Bank Delegation of Albania

Source: The World Bank Delegation of Croatia

Latest version of the status of Infrastructure "Quick Start" Projects and Studies, last updated on October 19, 2001

See previous news stories about follow-up to the Regional Funding Conference:

• Infrastructure "Quick Start Package" for the South East Europe Region Moves Forward, Brussels, May 5, 2000

• Follow-up Process for the Regional Funding Conference, April 6, 2000

• Chairmens' Conclusions

• Pledges for Quick Start Stability Pact Regional Projects and Programmes (pdf, 8 KB)

• Expression of Interest in Financing Quick Start Projects and Programmes under the Working Tables (pdf, 7 KB)

• Statements and other documentation
  Donors who wish their statements or documentation to be posted on this site can send them by e-mail.

• Press Release (March 30, 2000);  Press Release (March 29, 2000)

• Statement by the High Level Steering Group for South East Europe
  March 22, 2000

• Agenda

• Administrative arrangements for the Conference

• Explanatory note on the pledging process

• Pledge form (pdf, 41 KB)

Background Documents

The Road to Stability and Prosperity in South Eastern Europe
A Regional Strategy
The World Bank

Projects and programs for which financing was sought:

• Table I Projects and Programs (Democratization and Human Rights)

• Table II Projects and Programs (Economic Reconstruction, Development and Cooperation)

• Table III Projects and Programs (Security Issues)

• Cross-Table Projects and Programs

• Summary of funding requirements in Euros for the Stability Pact Quick Start Package

Press Information

Press events and accreditations