The External Relations Council, made up of the foreign ministers of EU member states, adopted conclusions on the future of the Western Balkans on 10 December.
The Council’s conclusions reaffirm that ‘the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union’ and reconfirm ‘continued support to the region’s course towards the EU.’ They also note that the EU’s engagement in the region, through the Stabilisation and Association process, has made ‘a significant contribution’ to recent progress. According to the Council, these achievements now need ‘to be built on and made irreversible.’
The challenges that countries in the Western Balkans still face include those related to state-building, the rule of law, reconciliation, administrative and judicial reform, and the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Albania has made progress, but the major challenges that still remain relate to good governance and the rule of law, and fighting corruption and organised crime in particular.
Albania and the EU have signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), and its effective implementation is essential for further progress.
The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has also developed, and a special mention is made of police reform. Concern is expressed however about the political situation, and the slowdown in reforms over the past year.
There are four conditions that still have to be met, including full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal with Yugoslavia, before an SAA can be signed, but the Council has ‘reaffirmed its readiness’ to sign such an agreement.
In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, some progress has been achieved, but internal political tensions have delayed reforms and diverted political institutions from EU integration priorities. Council conclusions encourage ‘all political parties to deepen political dialogue and cooperation, including on interethnic relations, in order to move ahead in the accession process.’ It also called for an acceleration of the pace of reforms in key areas.
Montenegro has made progress in several areas, including adopting a Constitution and establishing a legal framework and institutions since independence. The conclusions reiterate the need ‘to implement the new Constitution in line with European standards and to continue efforts in broadening consensus on basic features of state building.
Serbia is another country where the signing of an SAA depends on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal. The Council also called for further reform efforts.
The Council ‘stressed the need for major efforts to strengthen the rule of law, anti-corruption policy and the fight against organised crime’ in Serbia/Kosovo as well as calling for enhanced dialogue between the communities.
Council Conclusions, full text: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/gena/97556.pdf
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
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