| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2013) 700 final (16.10.13) |
| Publication Date | 16/10/2013 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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The accession process today is more rigorous and comprehensive than in the past. This reflects the evolution of EU policies as well as lessons learned from previous enlargements. The process is built on strict but fair conditionality with progress towards membership dependent on the steps taken by each country to meet the established criteria. A key lesson from the past is the importance of addressing the fundamentals first. The rule of law is now at the heart of the enlargement process. The new approach, endorsed by the Council in December 2011, means that countries need to tackle issues such as judicial reform and the fight against organised crime and corruption early in accession negotiations. This maximises the time countries have to develop a solid track record of reform implementation, thereby ensuring that reforms are deeply rooted and irreversible. This new approach is a key element of the negotiating framework for Montenegro and will shape the Commission’s work with the other enlargement countries. Events in a number of enlargement countries have underlined the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring inclusive democratic processes that support these institutions and reinforce core democratic principles and common EU values. A stronger role for civil society is key, as are cross-party platforms for EU integration and further progress with electoral, parliamentary and public administration reforms. The European Union is founded on common values and principles, including respect for fundamental rights. All the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey need to undertake further reforms to ensure that the principles of freedom of expression and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, including Roma are respected in practice, not just enshrined in law. More robust measures are needed to protect other vulnerable groups from discrimination, in particular on grounds of sexual orientation. 2014 sees the launch of the second Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance. Through IPA II, the EU will continue to provide substantial support to the enlargement countries in their preparation for accession, with a comparable level of funds for the period 2014-2020 (€11.7 billion in current prices) as in the current financial framework. IPA II will also support regional and cross-border cooperation. IPA II will focus on areas of shared interest, in particular to support reforms and their sustained implementation in the rule of law area, to strengthen democratic institutions and good governance as well as socio-economic development. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2013:700:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe, Iceland, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey |
