Brussels, 07/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - In its progress report to be published on 8 October, the European Commission could threaten not to recommend opening accession negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) any longer if the country does not make reforms. In the view of one high level European source, if the Commission recommends opening accession negotiations again this year, for the sixth year in a row, this is due to “cumulated progress” by FYROM in the past - progress which is still not enough as regards the political criteria. Nevertheless, the Commission is expected to call on FYROM's authorities to undertake “decisive action” against politicisation and the growing gaps as concerns judicial independence and freedom of expression, for the recommendation to open the accession negotiations to be lasting. The report is expected to include the words “stalemate” and “backsliding”.
Whether it be FYROM or Albania, the Commission is expected to underline the importance of sustainability and the inclusive nature of democratic institutions, which are the responsibility of governments and opposition.
As regards Montenegro, the Commission is not expected to recommend a balanced formula that would propose that due to a lack of progress on Chapters 23 and 24, with delays in the implementation of the action plans on these chapters, the negotiations on other chapters be slowed down. The progress report is expected, however, to contain a reference to this principle, in this source's view.
The Commission is expected to call on Kosovo to progress on the formation of a government and on key reforms.
The opening of negotiating Chapters 23 (judicial apparatus and fundamental rights) and 24 (freedom, security and justice) with Turkey could be recommended. In the view of this source, the progress report is expected to underline continued implementation of certain reforms such as the democratisation package and progress to resolve the Kurdish issue. The Commission is nevertheless expected to highlight its concern as regards independence of the judicial authority and the protection of human rights. “The opening of the chapters could obtain a roadmap on key reforms”, the source stated.
Reports will also be presented on Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. (CG)