Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process ‒ Council conclusions

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted by the Council of the European Union on 13 December 2022, concerning the European Union's enlargement and the EU-Western Balkans stabilisation and association process.

Further information:

The conclusions assess the situation in each of the EU candidates and partners, set out guidelines on reform priorities, and reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the EU’s enlargement policy. In line with the revised enlargement methodology endorsed by the Council in 2020, a strong focus is put on fundamental reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights, economic development and competitiveness, strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform.

Following the conclusions of the European Council, and in light of the European Commission's subsequent recommendation, the Council also recommends to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, subject to endorsement by the European Council. This is on the understanding the the steps specified in the Commission's recommendation are taken by Bosnian authorities.

The set of conclusions was adopted at a meeting of the Council of the European Union held on 13 December 2022.

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 13/12/2022: Council conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/13/council-conclusions-on-enlargement-and-stabilisation-and-association-process/

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