EAR�s Mandate Extended to 2008

06 December 2006

EU Council of Ministers extended the mandate of the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR) for two additional years, until December 31, reports EAR Belgrade office.

This decision enables the Agency to continue the implementation of programmes under the EU assistance for reconstruction, development and stabilization (the CARDS Programme), that ends in 2006.

The remaining EU assistance from the CARDS programmes that have to be used over the next two years is approximately 680 million EUR. EAR manages assistance programmes to Serbia (including Kosovo under the UN protectorate), Montenegro and Macedonia.

"The work of the Agency is one segment of the wider effort by the EU to stabilize the Balkans and open the path for the region for ultimate membership into the EU�, said Richard Cink, EAR Director.

EAR was established in February 2000, as chief EU instrument for reconstruction of war-torn Kosovo. Later, it expanded its activities to Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. The Agency�s headquarters are located in Thessalonica, Greece, with operational centres in Pristina, Belgrade, Podgorica and Skopje.

The increased stability and the completion of activities in the area of reconstruction has gradually moved the focus of the Agency�s efforts towards the state administration, reforms of the public administration, economic development and support for local self-governance structures.