Status of Cross Border Cooperation Agreements in South Eastern Europe

May 2004

This is a brief overview of current agreements in SEE for cross-border environmental cooperation, and is based on information presented at the “Meeting of Senior Officials of Countries Involved in the Stabilisation and Association Process on Cross-Border Cooperation” held in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, May 20-21, 2004.

Albania has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Montenegro, Greece and FYR Macedonia. A ministerial joint declaration on the Prespa region was signed between Albania FYR Macedonia and Greece.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed an agreement with Croatia on water management.

Croatia has signed environmental protection agreements with FYR Macedonia and a memorandum of understanding with Serbia and Montenegro. Also, agreements have been signed with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy on water management. An agreement is in preparation with Albania, and is a memorandum of understanding with Bulgaria.

FYR Macedonia signed an agreement on environmental cooperation with Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro (then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) in 2002. A memorandum of understanding with Albania has been signed.

Serbia and Montenegro has signed a memorandum of understanding with FYR Macedonia. The Republic of Montenegro has signed a memorandum of understanding with Albania and is preparing to sign the a memorandum of understanding with the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Italy.