Brussels, 24/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a report by Gabriele Albertini (EPP, Italy) adopted by a sweeping majority by the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee in Strasbourg on Monday 23 November 2009, the European Parliament wants the enlargement of the EU to continue, describing it as “one of the most successful EU policies that has benefitted both existing and new member states”. The report will be debated in plenary on Wednesday 25 November and voted upon the next day.
The MEPs say that the accession criteria have to be met, particularly respect for the rule of law, which is “a key principle of democratic, economic and social development and one of the main conditions for EU accession”. Freedom of speech and opinion, and the fight against corruption are also essential criteria, add the MEPs. The MEPs are “confident” that Croatia will be able to conclude its accession negotiations by the summer of next year as long as it steps up its efforts and respects all the necessary criteria, including full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTFY). The government of Turkey and all the parties represented at the Turkish parliament are urged to agree on the key reforms to be introduced. The MEPs regret that only limited progress has been made on freedom of expression and freedom of religion. They criticise failure to respect promises arising from the additional protocol to the EU-Turkey Association Agreement (opening up Turkish ports and airports to Cypriots). On the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the MEPs call on the European Council in December 2009 to follow up on the European Commission's positive recommendation and set a date for opening EU accession talks. The MEPs welcome the progress made by Serbia, particularly unilateral implementation of the interim Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which was a good illustration of Serbia's commitment to move in the direction of joining the EU.
Belgrade must, however, cooperate fully with the ICTY, they say. MEPs were “dissatisfied” with the limited progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is with “growing concern” that the unstable political climate and a common vision shared by the two entities are noted. The Commission has been invited to initiate dialogue on visas with Kosovo to prepare a roadmap for liberalising the visa regime. Albania and Montenegro have made progress since the last report in 2008. Both countries are encouraged to pursue their reform efforts. MEPs feel that Iceland should be granted the status of an applicant country very quickly (the issue could be debated at December's European Council if the Commission has submitted its opinion by then, see EUROPE 10020). (H.B./transl.fl/rt)