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EBRD President Lemierre to attend CEI Summit in Warsaw
Economic Forum to discuss regional co-operation and European integration
EBRD President Jean Lemierre will attend the sixth Economic Forum at the Summit of the Central European Initiative in Warsaw from 19 to 21 November. The meeting will discuss regional co-operation, European integration, economic transition and assistance to the least advanced member countries. The CEI is a multi-country body with 17 member states: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine.
The EBRD operates in all CEI countries except Austria and Italy. Because mandates of the Bank and the CEI are complementary, close ties have existed since the EBRD’s establishment in 1991. The Secretariat for CEI Projects and the CEI Trust Fund at the EBRD have served as the main institutional and operational links. The CEI Trust Fund at the EBRD is paid for by the Italian government. The CEI is also a donor of the Bank, financing technical co-operation alongside EBRD investments.
This year’s summit in Warsaw will focus on European integration, the implications of EU enlargement at the economic and administrative level, and the challenges and opportunities for CEI countries that will not become members of the European Union in May 2004. In plenary debates, working groups and seminars, participants will discuss what has been achieved thus far, as well as the promotion of further development in less advanced regions. Further topics to be discussed will be the absorption of EU funds, the international transfer of knowledge and stabilisation programmes for those countries that are not becoming EU members next year.
This year’s CEI presidency is held by Poland. Numerous prime ministers, ministers, business people and representatives of international and national organisations are expected in Warsaw. President Lemierre will attend the CEI Summit and also have meetings with government representatives and members of the business community. The EBRD strongly supports the CEI’s goals and promotes regional co-operation throughout its area of operations.
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