The countries of the Southeastern European (SEE) region pronounced their intention to move towards integration with the European Union (EU) in order to create a stable, united, and more prosperous region. The EU integration process should foster political stability and socio-economic and sustainable development in the region. The SEE candidate and potential candidate countries, see the integration an opportunity to enhance a peaceful development through economic, political and cultural co-operation within the region itself and with the EU member states. However, the EU integration process is a highly complex procedure, which involves the creation of new institutions and the implementation of a range of policy reforms. Given the importance of the agricultural sector in the SEE countries in the economic development at national and regional level, it is essential that the reform process contribute to increasing competitiveness, enhancing regional trade and boosting the rehabilitation of food chains. To successfully accomplish the reform process and ensure a smooth integration, it is important to develop solid networks and mechanisms for dialogue among policy makers and the research community across crucial policy areas. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) decided, in close cooperation with the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG), to implement the project “Streamlining of agriculture and rural development policies of SEE countries for EU accession” to facilitate the establishment of such networks and mechanisms. The purpose of the project is to strengthen cooperation among policy makers and the research community in order to create an effective policy making environment and to assist the integration process. This book constitutes one of the main results of the project; it is devoted to the analysis of agricultural and rural development policy of the SEE countries in view of their chosen future EU accession. It is a unique work in the region, which has been elaborated in close cooperation between policy makers and the research institutions in the SEE countries. It is anticipated that it will provide a valuable input for policymaking as well as a solid basis for future cooperation and continued dynamic dialogue between policymakers and the research institutions. It is the hope of the FAO and the SWG that efforts will be made to maintain and enhance the constructive relationships created among the policy makers and research institutions in order to develop a culture of well-informed and consistent policymaking in the future.