Objectives
The Balkans has played a significant role in European and World history. The crucial issue, therefore, is to create a conducive atmosphere as well as enhancing, restructuring the existing mechanisms for cooperation and harmonising policies for regional interest within the international and intra regional organizations.
The Third Panel entitled “Cooperation within International Organizations” will discuss the ways and means of establishing a “Balkan Contact Group” from the representatives of Member Strategic and Research Centers , its structure, roles and duties.
Enhanced, coordinated and harmonized involvement of the Balkan Strategic and Research Centers within the OSCE, Council of Europe, NATO, EU and other international and intra-regional organisations should contribute to increase the influence of the Region and serve to better integrate it into the Euro-Atlantic area of freedom and security.
Means and activities
Regular coordination meetings and exchange of views and opinions, using the special secured area(s)/ platform (with password) within the Balkan Communication Network Website, of the representatives of Balkan Strategic and Research Centers.
Structure
“Balkan Conference on Cooperation between the Strategic and Research Centers” to be held on 9-10 June 2005 will establish a Balkan Contact Group composed of the senior representatives of 21 Member Strategic and Research Centers.
Each Member Center will designate a senior managerial staff level “contact person” for the creation of the “Balkan Contact Group”.
The Balkan Contact Group will be chaired by the representative of the President-in-Turn Center who will also keep the annual Secretariat. The Chairman of the Balkan Contact Group can form a Troika with the former and the future President-in-Turn Centers representatives.
Roles, Duties and Working Procedures of the Balkan Contact Group
To follow the current issues related to the Balkans included in the agenda of international organizations such as UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, NATO, EU etc.
To inform and to disseminate, if necessary, all relevant documents to the Member Centers.
To awaken the sensibility of Member Centers towards these topics, to harmonise policies and to develop appropriate common strategies.
To advise the governments, the international organisations and other authorities about these policies and strategies.
To coordinate and to communicate with the “Balkan Wise-persons Group” and other sub groups established within the BalCom Network.
In order to fulfil its responsibilities Balkan Contact Group meets at least once a year or more, if deemed necessary.
The Balkan Contact Group can make use of national and international expertise, establish regular communication channels with national authorities and international bodies.
BCG will establish its own rules and procedures in its first meeting.
BCG will seek the possibility to acquire a consultative status within the aforementioned international organizations.
BCG is the “Coordination Organ” for informing and coordinating all other issues concerning the Member Centers.
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