"Croatia's journey to EU membership is almost complete and the S&D Group congratulates Croatia and its citizens on this historic achievement.
"All that is left is for the remaining two member states to ratify the accession treaty. There should be no grounds for further delays: Croatia has met the commitments set in the accession negotiations, including the ten priority tasks set by the Commission. It is a mature democracy, a viable social market economy and fully ready to assume the obligations of EU membership.
"However, for Croatia 1 July should not be seen as the end of the process but rather the beginning of a new era that will bring new challenges, opportunities and responsibilities. It presents an opportunity to further improve the rule of law and the quality of public administration, for the benefit of Croatian citizens. But the impetus must come from within Croatia.
"As an EU member state, Croatia will also assume shared responsibility for the future of the EU as a whole. In particular, given its regional position and recent experience, Croatia can – and should – play an active role in strengthening the EU's enlargement policy in the Western Balkans.
"I have every confidence that Croatia's membership of the EU will make the country – and the EU – stronger, more prosperous and more secure. It brings us one step closer to the vision of a united and stable continent."
On Montenegro:
"Montenegro is definitely on the right track, but must continue to remain focused on the reform process.
"In particular, it should step up efforts to consolidate an impartial and efficient judiciary, extend the fight against corruption, build a de-politicised and merit-based public administration, and dispel any concerns over media freedom."
Maria Eleni Koppa, shadow rapporteur on Serbia, said:
„We strongly support a European future for Serbia and for all the Western Balkans. We believe that an agreement with Kosovo is still possible, so as to have a Council decision on opening accession negotiations with Serbia in June. We congratulate the High Representative for foreign affairs on her mediation and encourage her to continue her efforts to reach a mutually acceptable, viable and sustainable solution. There is an opportunity for real regional reconciliation. We urge all parties concerned to approach the negotiations constructively and to invest on their common future in the EU."
On Turkey, Libor Rouček, S&D Group vice-president responsible for enlargement policy said:
"There is a clear opportunity for a breakthrough in EU-Turkey relations, not least thanks to the Commission's positive agenda and the change in the French government. To seize this chance, the EU should open new negotiations, particularly on chapters 23 and 24 which deal with the judicial system and civil rights. This would help Turkey strengthen the rule of law as well as the stability and democracy of the country and the region. In addition, discussions should also be opened on energy issues.
"Meanwhile, the Turkish authorities must continue and accelerate the speed of reforms so that Turkey will be able to comply fully with all of the Copenhagen criteria. In this respect, the design of the new constitution will be of critical importance: both for Turkey's democratic future and for its place in Europe. I hope that the constitutional process will consolidate the foundations of a democratic, inclusive and secular state in Turkey."
Raimon Obiols shadow rapporteur on Turkey said:
"Taking into account the fact that acquired agreements must be respected, we are in favour of pursuing accession negotiations and opening new chapter. We also support Commissioner Füle’s Positive Agenda as a welcome initiative which has the potential to enhance, not substitute, accession negotiations."
ZdroJ: www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu, 17.4.2013
