| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2016) 715 final (9.11.16) |
| Publication Date | 09/11/2016 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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In November 2015, the European Commission set out a medium-term strategy for EU enlargement policy to cover the period of the mandate of this Commission. It was endorsed by the Council in December 2015. This Communication takes stock of progress in the implementation of that strategy, draws conclusions and makes recommendations as regards specific enlargement countries and on certain thematic issues. The EU continues to face serious challenges on various fronts. Multiple crises have a destabilising potential not only in Europe, but also globally. The attractiveness of the EU in the enlargement countries has been partly affected by the economic downturn and scepticism regarding the European project. At the same time, the firm prospect of EU membership, as continuously reaffirmed by all Member States, continues to drive transformation and anchor stability and security in the countries of Southeast Europe. Therefore, a credible enlargement process, based on strict and fair conditionality, remains an irreplaceable tool to strengthen these countries and to help support their modernisation through political and economic reforms, in line with the accession criteria. Enlargement policy continues to deliver results and reforms are moving forward in most countries, albeit at different speeds. Given the complex nature of the necessary reforms, it is a long-term process and structural shortcomings persist, notably in the key areas of rule of law and the economy. In Turkey specifically, the EU-Turkey Summit of 29 November 2015 and the subsequent EU-Turkey Statement of 18 March 2016 were able to lead to a significant reduction in irregular migration flows and, more broadly, to revitalise EU-Turkey relations. On 15 July, democratic institutions and society as a whole were shaken by a violent coup attempt in Turkey, which the EU immediately condemned in the strongest terms. A continued commitment to the principle of "fundamentals first" remains essential for the enlargement countries. The Commission will continue to focus efforts on the rule of law, including security, fundamental rights, democratic institutions and public administration reform, as well as on economic development and competitiveness. These remain the fundamentals for meeting the Copenhagen and Madrid membership criteria. A stronger role for civil society and stakeholders more broadly remains crucial. At the same time, it is important to recognise that accession negotiations are not – and never have been – an end in themselves. They are part of a wider process of modernisation and reforms. The governments of the enlargement countries need to embrace the necessary reforms more actively and truly make this their political agenda – not because the EU is asking for it, but because it is in the best interest of their citizens. Public support for future enlargements will depend on the degree of preparedness of candidate countries. Therefore, reforms through the EU accession process also help increase the confidence of citizens of EU Member States and of the candidate countries alike. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2016:715:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey |
