Opening of new EU fund intended for countries of western Balkans with budget of about 12 billion EUR - piece of cake to go to Serbia

European Parliament should soon adapt the budget for the new pre-accession fund IPA, which will aid the countries of western Balkans with 11.56 billion EUR prior to 2013.

Besides the countries with the status of candidate (Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia), the aid is intended for potential members of EUR, among which is Serbia.

However, Serbia will be able to use IPA's aid only for transition, construction of institutions, regional and cross-border cooperation.

The final decision about distribution of aid will be made by the EU Council prior to the end of 2006.