Communication on a ‘credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans’

Summary:

The European Commission unveiled on 6 February 2018 a Strategy to support the Western Balkans region in its efforts to reform, paving the way towards future integration in the European Union.

This Strategy was subject to a presentation and debate at the European Parliament's plenary session on the same day. The President of the European Commission toured the region between 26 February and 1 March.

Further information:

The Strategy sets out a set of specific actions to be undertaken by the European Union to support the transformation efforts of the Western Balkans in areas of mutual interest. It also underlines the need for the EU to be prepared to welcome new Member States once these countries met the criteria.

Six countries are included in this Strategy: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia. Six flgaship initiatives were announced in this framework:

+ Initiative to strengthen the Rule of Law
+ Initiative to reinforce engagement on security and migration
+ Initiative to enhance support for socio-economic development
+ Initiative to increase transport and energy connectivity
+ Initiative for a Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans
+ Initiative to support reconciliation and good neighbourly relations

Therefore, it spells out the priorities and areas of joint reinforced cooperation, addressing the specific challenges facing the Western Balkans. The Strategy also explains the steps that need to be taken by Montenegro and Serbia to complete the accession process in a 2025 perspective.

Background information:

The release of this Strategy follows the statement from the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker during his 2017 State of the Union address, in which he re-affirmed the European future of the Western Balkan countries. The European Council also showed support to the ambition of the region of becoming part of the EU, namely during the March 2017 meeting.

EurActiv, 08.02.18: Hahn: Western Balkans can join EU, but there will be no discount https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/hah-western-balkans-can-join-eu-but-there-will-be-no-discount/

Politico [Opinion]: Western Balkans must break down trade barriers https://www.politico.eu/article/aleksandar-vucic-western-balkans-eu-strategy-must-break-down-trade-barriers/

EurActiv, 16.02.18: EU split over expansion into Western Balkans https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/eu-split-over-expansion-into-western-balkans/

European Commission: Press Release, 06.02.18: Strategy for the Western Balkans: EU sets out new flagship initiatives and support for the reform-driven region http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-561_en.htm

European Commission: A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans [Q&A] europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-18-562_en.htm

Politico, 06.02.18: Brussels’ new Balkan strategy: Tough love https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-balkan-membership-new-strategy-tough-love/

EUObserver, 05.02.18: Juncker to go on 'geopolitical' Balkans tour https://euobserver.com/enlargement/140854

EUObserver [Opinion] Western Balkans: A new start for Europe https://euobserver.com/opinion/140865

EUObserver [Opinion]: EU needs commitment to rights in West Balkans https://euobserver.com/opinion/140818

B92, 05.02.18: EU to discuss Spain's blockade of Kosovo on Feb. 23? https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2018&mm=02&dd=05&nav_id=103414

EUObserver [Opinion]: Tension ahead if Kosovo left out of EU strategy https://euobserver.com/opinion/140799

Deutsche Welle, 06.02.18: EU announces ambitious expansion plans in western Balkans http://p.dw.com/p/2sDIP

The Guardian, 06.02.18: Serbia and Montenegro could join EU in 2025, says Brussels https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/06/serbia-and-montenegro-could-join-eu-in-2025-says-brussels

B92, 07.02.18: 'EU sees us as leader, we'll work even harder' - PM https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2018&mm=02&dd=07&nav_id=103434

The Independent, 06.02.18: Serbia and Montenegro could join EU by 2025, European Commission says http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eu-enlargement-serbia-montenegro-macedonia-albania-kosovo-brexit-juncker-2025-a8197201.html

EUObserver, 06.02.18: EU downgrades Kosovo enlargement status https://euobserver.com/enlargement/140878

Euronews, 06.02.18: The EU opens the door to the Balkans http://www.euronews.com/2018/02/06/the-eu-opens-the-door-to-the-balkans

EurActiv, 06.02.18: EU maps out ‘credible’ Western Balkans strategy https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/eu-maps-out-credible-western-balkans-strategy/

Politico, 06.02.18: Mogherini: New Balkan strategy can be EU ‘turning point’ https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-balkan-membership-mogherini-new-strategy-can-be-eu-turning-point/

Balkan Insight, 06.02.18: EU’s New Balkans Enlargement Strategy Demands Reforms http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/eu-adopts-enlargement-strategy-for-western-balkans-02-06-2018

The Sofia Globe, 06.02.18: Bulgaria welcomes European Commission adoption of strategy for Western Balkans https://sofiaglobe.com/2018/02/06/bulgaria-welcomes-european-commission-adoption-of-strategy-for-western-balkans/

EU: EEAS: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini at the European Parliament Plenary Session on the Western Balkan Strategy https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/39451/

EU: EEAS: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini at the college read-out to present the Western Balkans Strategy https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/39436

Euro|topics, February 2018: EU wants to accelerate Balkan expansion https://www.eurotopics.net/en/193924/eu-wants-to-accelerate-balkan-expansion

---