12/11/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 11 November MEPs approved, by 604 votes to 33 with 49 abstentions, the regulation on the introduction of exceptional trade measures for the countries of the Western Balkans. This is part of the EU’s Stabilisation and Association Process for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The report allows for a 5-year extension (until 31 December 2025) of the trade benefits granted to these countries on a range of agricultural products. The EU is the region’s largest trading partner. The rapporteur, Emmanuel Maurel (GUE/NGL, France), pointed out that these benefits would be conditional on respect for human rights and the rule of law. (LM)