In a set of annual reports adopted today, the European Commission
has assessed where the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey stand
in preparingto meet EU membership requirements, and sets out what needs
to be done to address the remaining challenges.
Presenting the annual Enlargement Package, Commissioner Johannes Hahn said: "The
current refugee crisis shows how crucial close cooperation between the
EU and the countries in south-east Europe is. The EU enlargement
process, covering the Western Balkans and Turkey, is a powerful tool to
strengthen the rule of law and human rights in these countries. It also
boosts the economy and promotes regional cooperation. A clear European
perspective gradually transforms our partner countries and strengthens
stability around our Union. Our firm commitment to EU enlargement, and
to the conditions it involves, is therefore a long-term investment in
Europe's own security and prosperity".
Common challenges
The
region has been seriously affected by the refugee crisis. Turkey is
providing substantial support to more than 2 million Syrian refugees on
its territory. The Western Balkans, in particular the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia and Serbia, have managed a substantial amount of
third country nationals transiting their countries since the beginning
of the year.The migration challenge makes more than ever a case for
increased cooperation with enlargement countries, and the EU is
providing substantial support to this end.
Fundamentals key to stability...
In
its enlargement strategy, the Commission reaffirms the strong focus on
the principle of "fundamentals first" in the accession process. Core
issues of the rule of law, fundamental rights, strengthening democratic
institutions, including public administration reform, as well as
economic development and competitiveness remain key priorities. Progress
is being made, in particular with the adoption of relevant legislation
and establishment of necessary administrative structures. However,
across the board effective implementation is very often lacking. The
Commission will continue to focus its efforts on ensuring that countries
prioritise reforms in these key areas and establish a track record.
State of play
While
there has been important progress over the past year, major challenges
remain. With respect to the rule of law, judicial systems are not
sufficiently independent, efficient or accountable. Serious efforts are
still needed to tackle organised crime and corruption, in particular to
establish track records of investigations, prosecutions and final
convictions. While fundamental rights are often largely enshrined in
law, shortcomings persist in practice. Ensuring freedom of expression is
a particular challenge, with negative developments in a number of
countries. Public administration reform needs to be pursued with vigour,
to ensure the necessary administrative capacity as well as to tackle
high politicisation and a lack of transparency. The functioning of
democratic institutions also requires attention. There is a need to work
even more closely with local civil society actors to anchor reforms
across society.
Most countries face significant challenges in
terms of economic governance and competitiveness. Economic development
is crucial for job creation and growth and increasing the interest of
investors. The Commission has put particular emphasis on regional
cooperation and boosting regional economic development and connectivity.
Important progress has been achieved here, notably through the "Berlin
process" and the "Western Balkans Six" format. The Commission also
stresses the need for good neighbourly relations and overcoming
bilateral disputes.
BACKGROUND
New presentation
The
Commission has introduced this year a strengthened approach to its
assessments of the fundamentals and the related acquis chapters. The
overarching enlargement strategy is now multiannual, covering the period
of the Commission's mandate. In addition to reporting on progress, much
more emphasis is put on the state of preparedness fortaking on the
obligations of membership. At the same time, the reports provide even
clearer guidance for what the countries are expected to do in both the
short and long term. Harmonised assessment scales are used, increasing
comparability between the countries, and improving transparency of the
accession process. This should facilitate greater scrutiny of reforms by
all stakeholders.
More on the new approach: What's new in the 2015 enlargement package?
Enlargement process
The
current enlargement agenda covers the countries of the Western Balkans
and Turkey. Accession negotiations have been open with Turkey since 2005
but are moving forward only slowly. Accession negotiations have been
underway with Montenegro since 2012 and with Serbia since 2014. The EU
accession process with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – a
candidate country since 2005 – remains at an impasse. Albania was
granted candidate status in 2014 and is addressing a number of key
priorities before the Commission can recommend the opening of accession
negotiations. A Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with
Bosnia and Herzegovina entered into force in June. An SAA with Kosovo
was signed in October 2015.
For detailed findings and recommendations on each country see:
