J. Monks confirmed the support of the ETUC for the EU enlargement process its involvement in the Stability Pact for SEE, the role of the ETUC Balkans Trade Union Forum (since 2007 - SEE Trade Union Forum) and now the Pan-European Regional Council as a new structure overarching beyond EU borders and opening new perspectives for cooperation in the future. Commissioner Rehn underlined the importance of efficient social dialogue and active trade union role in the process and the engagement of the policy with promoting social dialogue and labour and social rights in the preparation for EU accession. Opinions were exchanged on the problems in particular situations and cases – the Western Balkans (especially Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Turkey, Ukraine and the need to adjust EU assistance programmes in these areas to make them really accessible to local organisations without relying on external, Western partners as leading agents in the bids for projects.