Mr. Chairman,

We have come some way in the Stability Pact process, yet we must also realize that this conference is a crucial moment for the Pact. We must all deliver on our commitments on both of the two pillars – the political and economic - of this Conference. We must sustain political and economic reform in the region. In that regard, the current springtime of Croatia is proof that the will to take up the commitment to join the international community is a powerful motor for change. We must also deliver on our pledges to match the will to reform with the funds needed to see it succed. We must have the courage to lay down priorities, to make choices and to prepare for rapid and visible results on the ground, in stead of wanting the Pact to be all things to all people. That - to me - is what we should do now at this conference.

Mr. Chairman,

The European Council of Lisbon last week sent a strong signal about the necessity of efficiency, coherence and strengthened coordination. The European Council also made it clear that they – the heads of state and government of the European Union – expect clear results from their effort in the region. It is now up to this conference to deliver, and to show both economic and political results.

On the basis of the Lisbon mandate for a better approach to cooperation with the region, the European Union will carry forward the Stability Pact process on the basis of its political and economic contribution to the region. This contribution was described in the statements made by the Commission and the Presidency. I am pleased to note the contribution that other partners have pledged as well at this conference.

One thing is financial assistance and cooperation. Another - and often more efficient - way of assistance is through trade liberalization. Denmark fully supports that consideration should be given to an asymmetric trade liberalization for the countries of the Western Balkans, like the EU has already done for the candidate countries. The export potential of the countries should be used more efficiently in order to promote economic growth and complement the direct assistance.

Mr. Chairman,

On behalf of the Government of Denmark, I am happy to pledge 100 million Euro in cooperation with Southeastern Europe for the period of 2000 and 2001, stricly excluding military and humanitarian expenses. Of this figure, 12 million Euro are allotted to programmes that are regional in scope. Our pledge for projects with quick start potential is 10 million Euro.

Denmark welcomes the intention of the Special Coordinator to arrive today at a Quick Start Package of projects. A quick start is indeed needed. Denmark and other partner countries launched elaborate national programmes immediately after the end of the Kosovo crisis. Thus, the Danish government adopted its action plan for the Western Balkans in july of last year in order to carry out concrete projects. The Quick Start Package of todays conference is an excellent concept for manifesting concrete action and political momentum. It must, however, incorporate the national efforts already in place. I am sure we can arrive at a consolidated Quick Start Package that will do just that.

Since 1993, Denmark has been a major donor to civil society and human rights projects in the region. Last year, following the Stability Pact launch, The Danish Government Peace and Stability Fund launched a strategy for cooperation with Southeastern Europe. This strategy will comprise projects in the total amount of 10 million Euro.

The programme will aim at four priority areas: human rights, media, return of refugees and displaced persons anc activities for youth. Its aim is conflict prevention through the development of cross border civil society cooperation. By way of its innovative choice of instruments, the programme is on the forefront of the cooperation effort under Working Table One. One major activity will be the promotion of refugee return in a cross-border cooperation between Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The cross-border approach, which is at the heart of the Stability Pact, will thus be used to address one of the gravest problems of the region : refugee return.

Cooperation with other donors and local NGO involvement are central to our approach. The synergy with the programmes in the Quick Start Package of the Special Coordinator is evident, and will include co-funding of some projects listed there. I am happy to pledge our regional programme of projects worth of 10 million Euro to a consolidated Quick Start Package including the appropriate national projects.

Mr. Chairman,

I note the advances we have so far made in including Montenegro in the Stability Pact and launching a number of international cooperation programmes there. Among other things, Denmark is a major contributor to the ODIHR office in Podgorica, and I have been pleased to note number of projects that this office has been able to put forward for the conference.

However, immediate assistance to Montenegro is needed. In line with the conclusions of the European Council of Lisbon, the EU will grant extraordinary financial assistance in a very short time. Denmark is considering according similar macroeconomic assistance on a bilateral basis to Montenegro.

Mr. Chairman,

Like I said, we have come some way since the Stability Pact process started in Sarajevo last year. We shall come out of this conference with a clear mandate for reform. The Quick Start Package will be the next step in the long haul effort of making the ideals of the Pact become reality for the people of the region. I pledge the continued commitment of the Government of Denmark to that process.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Pledge on behalf of Denmark by Under Secretary, Ambassador Claus Grube

1. Like I said in my statement yesterday, Denmark fully supports the adoption of a consolidated quick start package here today. Out of our overall pledge of 100 million Euro for 2000 and 200, 10 million Euro will be allocated to the Quick Start Package. We are actively involved in achieving this aim. For the moment, our main priority is launching projects under working table one. I shall get to that in a moment.

2. Public policies for the region should fully integrate the aim of a sound environment. I also take note of enviromental part of the presentation made on this subject under working table II, which we also are looking at.

3. Denmark is actively promoting these objectives in the region together with among others UNEP and Environment for Europe. Especially as regards environmental policies, we should not carry out hit and run projects, but lay down long term planning for the region as whole. Capacity building to promote ownershi and long term results must be key objectives. This must be based on a sustained will to regional cooperation and long term thinking. I that regard, we have been very encouraged by the cooperation of the seven countries of the Western Balkans on this matter, currently chaired very competently by FYROM. Denmark is now considering specific projects out the proposals put forward by this group. Among the Stability Pact projects, we consider funding project 4702, the Adriatic Sea Environmental Master Plan, put forward by the Government of Croatia. We will rapidly come to a decision on this matter.

4. In the end, environmental policies go beyond the imperative of a pure environment. Public participation in the decision processes in this field is a driving force for change and increased democratization. Here, the Aarhus Convention of 1998 is an well suited framework of particular relevance to Southeastern Europe. Therefore, the next meeting of the process will take place in Dubrovnik.

5. Turning now to our specific pledging for the Quick Start Package under Working Table One. As I stated yesterday, the Regional Strategy of the Danish Government Peace and Stability Fund at this moment comprises funding of altogether 10 million Euro, all of which of direct relevance for the objectives of working table One, and with a quick start potential. I therefore pledge this amount to the Quick Start Package under working table One.

6. Let me point out three specific projects on the proposed Quick Start List, where the synergy with our regional strategy is particularly evident, and where Danish Cofunding will be considered>

• European Centre for Broadcast Journalism in Montenegro, Project I.G.1.
• Media Development and Strategy Programme, Project I.G.12.

Theses projects are directly linked with existing Danish assistance activities. I hope that on the basis of todays meeting, our people on the ground can take up closer coordination leading to eventual Danish cofunding.

Let me also mention that project I.F.2, Capacity Building for Women in Politics, is carried out by the Gender Task Force Clearing House in Sarajevo, which is being funded by Denmark in the amount of 80.000 Euro.

Finally, Denmark would like to take this opportunity to pledge funding for the project Study on the Rights of Minorities in Croatia I.B.11. Denmark pledges full funding in the amount of 60.000 Euro