European Forum

European Parliament adopts resolution on EU’s enlargement strategy

On 26 November the European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution on the EU’s enlargement strategy in which in it underlined that, among other things, the EP remains strongly committed to the enlargement policy, which has proved to be one of the most successful of all EU policies and has benefited both existing and new Member States. In the enlargement process the Copenhagen criteria should be respected by candidate countries as well as by the EU. Furthermore, European citizens concerns and questions about the enlargement should be addressed.

Current and potential candidate countries must continue reforming to stay on track for EU membership. Key issues such as the rule of law, freedom of expression, good neighbourly relations, treatment of ethnic minorities and the fight against corruption and organised crime must still be addressed. Among the criteria that all Balkan countries should respect, the EP emphasise the need for full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and an improvement of the situation of ethnic minorities, in particular the Roma.

This is the text of the resolution relevant to the specific countries:

Croatia
On country-specific issues, it is consider that the accession negotiations can be concluded by mid-2010, provided that Croatia steps up its efforts and fulfils all the necessary criteria and benchmarks, including full cooperation with the ICTY. The bilateral agreement on resolving the border dispute with Slovenia is welcomed, which has created the momentum to open further chapters in the accession process.

Turkey
The resolution highlights the importance of implementing judicial reform swiftly to improve the functioning of the Turkish state and society. Tthe limited progress made in the area of freedom of religion (non-Muslim and Alevi communities) and freedom of expression, following the unprecedented fine imposed on a media group is regretted. Turkey is urged to implement it in full and on a non-discriminatory basis. Turkey's signing of the Nabucco gas pipeline is welcomed and call for the opening of the energy chapter in the accession negotiations. Diplomatic efforts made to normalise relations with Armenia are underlined. The Turkish Grand National Assembly, as well as the Parliament of Armenia, should ratify the relevant protocols, says the resolution.

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
In the resolution the Council is asked to “act in accordance” with the Commission’s recommendation to open and to set a date at the December summit for starting negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This country still has to reform its public administration and its judiciary, fight corruption and improve women’s rights and inter-ethnic relations. On the issue of the country's name, Parliament calls on the governments of the FYROM and Greece to intensify their efforts to find a solution.

Serbia
The resolutions calls on the Council to ratify the Interim Agreement (IA) without delay. Unilateral implementation of the IA by Serbia shows the country's commitment to moving forward on its path to membership. The Agreement could be signed by the EU at its December summit. Parliament welcomes Serbia's additional progress concerning co-operation with the ICTY, as noted in the latest ICTY Chief Prosecutor's report. However, MEPs regret the Serbian authorities' actions in calling on Kosovo Serbs to boycott the mid-November elections. Serbia is also asked to step up its co-operation with the EU rule of law mission EULEX, especially in northern Kosovo.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Some progress in the area of security and border management has been made but the EP is dissatisfied overall with the limited progress achieved. The country's unstable political climate and the lack of a common vision shared by the Muslim-Croat Federation and the Serb Republic (Republika Srpska) is a concern. The Council should continue its efforts to pursue a dialogue with political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to help the country and its peoples remain on the path to EU integration, says the resolution.

Kosovo
The Commission's intention of strengthening relations with Kosovo is welcomed, including exploring the possibility of Kosovo's participation in Community programmes. It is believed that the process of decentralisation should be concluded before the end of the year in line with the Ahtisaari Plan. The unprecedentedly good turnout of Kosovo Serbs at the local election in November of 2009 is seen as an encouraging indication that the Kosovo Serb community is willing to acknowledge its responsibilities.

Albania
The resolution acknowledges the progress made by Albania since the last progress report, and in particular in the process of issuing identity cards and improvements in the legal and administrative framework of the election process, as manifested by the last national elections. The opposition is urged to stop boycotting the parliament and calls on it to perform its duty to represent its voters in the parliament. EP calls on the government and the opposition to find a common basis for a follow-up of the last elections in the parliament. Finally, the Albanian authorities are encouraged to continue their efforts on the path of reform in favour of the economic and social progress of its citizens.

Montenegro
The progress made since the last progress report is acknowledged and the EP notes that the country has applied for membership of the Union and that the Council has taken the decision to invite the Commission to prepare its opinion on Montenegro's application. Commends are made on country’s achievement, especially on the smooth conduct of the recent elections and its solid economic performance in spite of the global economic crisis. Finally, Montenegro is encouraged to continue its efforts on the path of reform.

The full text of the resolution can be found here

Source: European Parliament and B92