EU Increases Support To Balkans

A “traffic union” to improve connectivity between the Balkan states and the European Union would include road, rail, barge and maritime shipping. Some focus would be on infrastructure, but legal, security, services, and environmental proposals will also be considered.
“Within the EU, there is an unwavering will to support the people of the Western Balkans to opt for European values and livings standards, said Olli Rehn, enlargement commissioner for the EU. About €800 million ($1.25 billion) per year goes to the Western Balkans to prepare for EU membership, according to the European Commission. The larger portion of those funds currently go to “civil society” activity (trade unions, consumer organizations, women's and youth associations) says the EU Commission.