Brussels, 18/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn is concerned that the main German political force, the Christian Democrat Party (CDU) headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel, is calling on the EU to mark a lengthy pause in enlargement after Croatia joins the EU. “We are going through a very difficult political context, with the financial crisis, recession, the approach of European elections and ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. The EU, however, can do several things at the same time. We cannot allow ourselves to take a break in our precious work aimed at stability and development of society in the Balkan States”, Rehn told journalists on Tuesday.
In its programme for the European elections in June, approved this week during a congress in Berlin, the CDU takes a stance for a “consolidation phase” after the Lisbon Treaty takes effect. During this break, “priority will be given to strengthening the identity and institutions of the European Union over further enlargements. Only Croatia may be an exception to this rule”, the programme states. The other countries of the Western Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, FYROM, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo) also have the “prospect of membership” but their integration process “will take many years more”, Ms Merkel said in a video interview published on her party's site (http://www.cdu.de ). Germany is one of the member states that is currently putting a brake on Montenegro's candidature for EU membership (EUROPE 9863) and which have established a political link between the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and continued EU enlargement (including as far as Croatia's accession is concerned). Olli Rehn takes the view that the EU cannot allow itself to take a break as this would threaten the stability factor that the EU membership process holds for the Balkans. Stabilisation of our societies springs essentially from their “prospect of membership” to the EU, which is an “essential driving force for reform and an anchor for stability”' for South East Europe, he said, adding that “this should not be made fragile”.
The CDU also reiterates its call in favour of a “privileged partnership” with Turkey rather than accession by this country. In her video interview, Ms Merkel declares she would like “very, very close relations between the EU and Ankara but not full and complete membership”. (H.B./transl.jl)