8th Meeting of the OSCE Economic Forum

* Economic rehabilitation and the next steps in the transition: institution-building, rule of law and the role of civil society
* Environmental impact of conflicts; rehabilitation measures
* Experiences with post-conflict rehabilitation efforts

The discussion on the general theme of the Forum, "Economic aspects of post-conflict rehabilitation: the challenges of transformation", focused on the relationship between economics and politics. This duality is reflected in the organizational separation between political and economic international organizations as well as in the juxtaposition of profitability and political pay-offs. Problems arising from the fact that the boundaries of these two fields are blurred were identified and a clearer definition of the function and roles of the OSCE in the institutional landscape was sought. According to this view, a clear, predictable and transparent legal environment is of paramount importance. Reforms in the judiciary that support the economic independence and enhance the professional competence of judges were strongly encouraged.

In relation to the OSCE's role in post-conflict rehabilitation, several speakers stressed that the OSCE, while not being a donor organization, must form an integral part of the complex rehabilitation effort. Drawing on its assets as a relatively flexible organization with a comprehensive approach, it should clearly define the political objectives of individual projects and assess their political outcome. In this context, delegations also underlined the important role and meaningful input of the OSCE's field missions and expressed their satisfaction at the presence of heads of missions at the Forum. In order to allow for an in-depth assessment of the OSCE's performance of its statutory objectives, participants stressed the importance of regular and more substantive activity reports by the CEEA. It was also recommended that the OSCE should enhance its co-operation and co-ordination with all international, subregional and non-governmental organizations with which it shared common values.