Council Decision of 30 January 2006 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2004/520/EC (2006/56/EC) (repealed)

1. INTRODUCTION

The Thessaloniki European Council endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to materialise the European perspective of the western Balkan countries within the framework of the stabilisation and association process.

The first Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo (UNSCR 1244) was adopted by the Council on 14 June 2004. It is appropriate to update this first partnership on the basis the findings of the 2005 Commission’s Progress Reports on Serbia and Montenegro and Kosovo (UNSCR 1244). The second European Partnership identifies new priorities for action. The new priorities are adapted to the specific needs and stage of preparation and will be updated as necessary. The European Partnership also provides guidance for financial assistance to Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo (UNSCR 1244).

It is expected that the competent authorities in Serbia and Montenegro develop a plan including a timetable and specific measures to address the European Partnership priorities. As Kosovo is at present under international interim administration pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, a separate plan addressing the priorities concerning Kosovo should be developed under the authority of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo.