The EU Commission presented the annual enlargement report. In addition to the will for reforms in some countries, the Commission also notes stagnation in the process
Geostrategic considerations – such as Russian aggression in Ukraine and potential Russian spheres of influence – are playing an increasingly important role in recent developments in the EU’s enlargement process. “The tense geopolitical situation makes it more imperative than ever that we complete the reunification of our continent under the values of democracy and the rule of law,” said the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the occasion of the presentation of the annual report of enlargement. Participants of the Berlin Process Summit 2024 on October 14, 2024 in Berlin Participants of the Berlin Process Summit 2024 on October 14, 2024 in Berlin
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with other participants of the Berlin Process 2024 Summit on October 14, 2024 in BerlinPhoto: Tobias Schwarz/AFP/Getty Images In this report the EU Commission gives an overview of EU enlargement and gives recommendations for further steps. These must then be decided by the Council, which includes all member states.
RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA AS A DEMARCATION LINE
At the press conference, the High Representative of the EU, Josep Borrell, emphasized one point very clearly: “You cannot continue to have relations with Russia or try to continue as before and expect the country to become a member of the EU .” When it comes to foreign policy, some countries, such as North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and voluntarily Kosovo, are already fully in line with the EU line.
BLACK MOUNTAIN AND ALBANIA
Among the six countries of the Western Balkans, Montenegro is currently ahead when it comes to EU membership. This country is in the final phase, which includes closing the chapters that have already been negotiated, explained EU enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. Asked when the expansion agreement would be drawn up, he said he could not give a specific date. The EU and Albania are negotiating the substantive aspects of future membership since October. In its report, the EU asks Albania to speed up the relevant reforms, but also recommends the opening of the negotiation chapter for foreign policy.
SERBIA AND KOSOVO
From Serbia, the EU Commission wants, among other things, that this country adapts its foreign policy to the positions of the EU – e.g. in the case of sanctions against Russia. Emphasizing the need for the normalization of relations with Kosovo, the Commission also spoke for the opening of further chapters of the negotiation. For Kosovo, which remains a potential candidate for membership, the EU Commission particularly requires the strengthening of the rule of law and public administration. If the Council gives him the mandate, he is ready to take further steps for the membership process.
NORTH MACEDONIA AND BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Neither North Macedonia nor Bosnia-Herzegovina are in the substantive phase of negotiations. According to the EU Commission, North Macedonia needs further reforms, especially in the field of the rule of law, the justice system and the fight against corruption. Bosnia and Herzegovina must also implement the EU’s recommendations before the next formal steps to start negotiations can be implemented. (DW)
