Balkan – What to do? European Perspectives

EU commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood, Stefan Füle, presented his view on the Western Balkan countries in an event organized by the permanent representation of the European Commission in Austria, the European Parliament, the Austrian Society for European Policy and the Institute for the Danube Region and Middle Europe on June 16, 2011 in Vienna.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Füle put emphasis on the fact that the Western Balkan countries are committed to a future EU membership as well as the EU is committed to give EU membership to these countries in future. For this, a balanced view on what has been reached but also on what still needs to be achieved is necessary.

Due to Croatian’s demonstrated political consensus and hard work in the whole process that started six years ago, negotiations with this country could be completed within the next few weeks. The EU accession on 1st of July 2013 (or 1st of January 2014) would be a great signal to all countries on the Western Balkan. The key issue in the accession process is credibility. Reforms have not only to be realised but also have to bring value for the citizens, they have to feel the results of the reforms in all areas. The EU is keen of strengthening the credibility of the accession process in all Western Balkan countries and Croatia proved to be an extremely effective partner in making the process credible. Technical negotiations with Croatia will soon be over but this is not the end of the process. Monitoring of the implementation both from EU and from the EU member states is needed till the date of accession. Enlargement has to be seen as political and technical process with monitoring.

With the extradition of Mladic to The Hague, Serbia eliminated the main obstacle for EU Accession negotiations to start. Another important aspect is Serbia’s engagement in the regional cooperation which will be strengthened once pragmatic results of the Belgrade –Pristina meetings will be seen. In October 2011 the EU will publish an opinion on Serbia where concrete results of the dialogue with Kosovo will be demanded. Füle could not imagine that the EU would accept a new member which is not in peace with its neighbourhood. Thus, the recognition of Kosovo by Serbia might be a pre-condition for Serbia’s accession. According to Commissioner Füle, negotiations with Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia could start soon.

Commissioner Füle noticed enlargement apathy of some political leaders in some countries in the region. The EU has to send clear signals to these countries. Main challenges he sees in Albania which is risking to be left behind, but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as in Kosovo. Strengthening of political institutions, rule of law, reforms in public administration, freedom of expression and the fight against corruption and organised crime are key factors that need to be achieved. Asked about the EU membership of Turkey, Commissioner Füle stated that Turkey does not want to become member of the European Union.

In the following panel discussion, Erhard Busek (Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe from 2002 to 2008), Valentin Inzko (High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and European Union Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina), Sonja Licht (President of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence) and Albert Rohan (Vice president of the Austrian Society for European Policy) confirmed the achievements of the Western Balkan countries in their way towards EU accession but also mentioned additional problems than those mentioned by the commissioner. Kosovo is not recognized by five member states of the EU and has a lot of internal problems, due to the fact that it got independency only three years ago.

All experts see positive signals in the political and economic development of the region, in the regional cooperation and the reconciliation process. The EU has to open doors for all European countries that share the common values of the European Union.

Information provided by Christine Bedoya, TRIALOG