The South-eastern European region (SEE) has made substantial progress towards stability, economic reforms, and European integration, which is one of the overriding political and economic challenges in the region. At the Zagreb Summit in November 2000, leaders from the European Union (EU) and the SEE countries confirmed their full commitment to the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP), led by the EU , and eventually full EU  membership. The countries are currently divided in three groups; Croatia – an EU member since 1 July 2013; The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (TFYR of Macedonia), Montenegro, Serbia and Albania - candidate countries for EU membership; and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo - potential candidate countries for EU membership. In this context, the fulfilment of the EU-membership criteria is crucial.