Project Structure

The International Commission derives its authority and political weight from its Members, 17 internationally renowned decision-makers from different countries, chaired by an individual with outstanding international reputation such as Mr. Giuliano Amato.

Mr. Ivan Krastev, a prominent representative of the think-tank community, who has rich Bal-kan experience, is directing the project.

The structure serves to

• establish a platform for dialogue on the future of the Balkans and international policy to-ward the region between decision-makers and opinion-leaders from the region and from outside the region and thus
• create co-ownership of the results of the project between the "international community" (national governments, European Union, other multilateral organisations) and the coun-tries of the region.

Meetings and Study Tours by the International Commission

Over the course of 15 months, four plenary meetings of the International Commission are envisaged. After the meeting on 15-16 April 2004 in Brussels, the Members of the Commis-sion will undertake 3 study tours to the region and subsequently meet again in the plenary in another capital. The study tours are being prepared through analyses commissioned in advance.

The first plenary meeting in April 2004 served to discuss the situation in the Balkans based on a general analysis of recent developments in the region. The Commission Members iden-tified the main issues to be addressed during the project and agreed on a work plan.

Destinations of the study tours will be Belgrade, Podgorica, Pristina, Skopje, Tirana, Sara-jevo and Zagreb.

The International Commission will furthermore visit experts and decision-makers in Brussels, relevant EU capitals and in the United States as decided by the Members of the Commission.

Decision-Making Processes

The objective is to achieve consent among the Members of the International Commission on the final report. However, a two-thirds majority will suffice to adopt the report. Those Mem-bers who do not agree on the report will have the option to publish additional "minority re-ports".

The report of the International Commission on the Balkans should be finalised by the spring of 2005.