Parliamentary question

Parliamentary question

The Western Balkans still constitute a strategic region for the European Union. The enlargement process has proven that EU enlargement helps countries with socio-economic reforms and democratisation, resulting in a win-win situation for both the EU and the candidate country.

The possibility of enlargement would keep the Western Balkans on the path of reform and progress.

The Commission has recently suggested a new methodology, given that the process so far has not been efficient and has not yielded the results hoped for.

ow does the Commission plan to reform the enlargement process to make it more efficient and transformative for the region and ensure concrete results?

Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

On 5 February 2020, the European Commission adopted the communication Enhancing the accession process — A credible EU perspective for the western Balkans. The Commission’s proposals aim to drive forward the EU accession process, by making it more credible, with a stronger political steer, more dynamic and predictable.

The Commission is working on three tracks for 2020: Firstly, to take forward the Commission’s proposals set out in its communication of 5 February 2020 to enhance the accession process and make it more effective.

Secondly, and in parallel, the Commission stands firmly by its recommendations to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, and has in view of their further tangible reform progress confirmed it with updates on 2 March 2020.

Thirdly, in preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Zagreb in May 2020, the Commission will propose an economic development plan for the western Balkans.

Supporting the western Balkans in meeting the requirements for EU membership is a priority for the Commission. The Commission is working to improve the tools at its disposal to support and encourage the reform process. Ultimately, progress on the EU path will depend on the ability of the candidate countries to implement reforms and deliver concrete results ensuring all requirements are met.