INTERGRATION OF WESTERN BALKANS INTO THE EU MARKETS

PREFERENTIAL ACCESS TO THE MARKET NOT FULLY EXPLOITED critical issues to be addressed: Availability of sufficient quantity and quality raw material meeting EU standards Improved competitiveness in the supply chain Need for a clear government/country strategy for agricultural and rural development support  introducing/enforcing EU standards (quality control, environmental standards)  land reform/reparcelling  investment support to the agri-food sector  Investment support in rural areas to support rural businesses

DONOR COORDINATION Initiate a rural development policy strategy dialogue with the EU, FAO and other donors involved Focus on establishing the regulatory and institutional framework to meet/enforce EU standards taking into account of the perspectives of accession Focus on development of well-functioning rural credit and land markets Participating in providing finances for private investments Contributing to the development of rural economy and alternative employment, including investments in rural infrastructures

PRE-ACCESSION ASSISTANCE Europe as a global Partner PRE-ACCESSION ASSISTANCE Limited and concentrating on Institution building Investments in meeting standards (heavy acquis-sectors) creation of alternative economic activities in rural areas

ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR Important promoters of investments in farm sectors to ensure stable supply of quality raw material Feedback on Government policy making