Brussels, 13/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - In parallel to discussions on the way talks are progressing with Turkey and Croatia, foreign ministers meeting on Monday looked at the progress made by the Western Balkan countries on their road to EU membership. On the basis of reports published by the Commission early November (EUROPE 9302), the Council restates the clear European aspirations of the countries of the region, but urges for reforms to be speeded up.
Albania: Noting encouraging headway, the Council conclusions nonetheless stress that a further effort is needed for reform of the judiciary, political and economic system, and in particular the fight against organised crime and corruption. Ministers are also adamant about full compliance with freedom of the press and the independence of legal institutions and calls on the government and opposition to work towards ensuring that the next municipal elections on 20 January unfold correctly.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Progress made within the framework of the negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) do not obscure the many issues still to be addressed, ministers say, recalling that progress in all fields will be analysed by the Council and Commission before negotiations are concluded.
Montenegro: Given progress made since the country's independence, the Council above all encourages adoption of a new Constitution in line with European standards, to follow reform of the judiciary and to combat corruption and organised crime.
Serbia: The Council welcomes progress made by Belgrade, especially the strengthening of administrative capacity and macro-economic stability, but recommends that efforts be stepped up in the judiciary field and on its independence, as well as regarding improvements to the security sector.
Kosovo: The transfer of responsibility to the interim autonomous administration has moved forward, the Council notes, recalling that the implementation of standards in Kosovo remains crucial - especially at the level of the administrative environment, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, the fight against organised crime and corruption, macro-economic stability, and the protection of minorities and cultural heritage.
FYROM: Welcoming the efforts already made by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the Council regrets, however, that the pace of reform has slowed down in 2006. The country must above all step up its efforts to reform the police and the judiciary, as well as combat organised crime and corruption. (ab)