Hannes Swoboda, president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, said:
"The position of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament is crystal clear: Europe's enlargement must go on. As the EU 28 we are not yet complete.
"The Commission progress report package is continuing on the right way because Europe must be firm in its principles – respect for the rule of law and democracy, reasoned economic governance and efficient institutions that guarantee the fundamental rights of everyone.
"Simultaneously, we need greater commitment - from all EU institutions as well as national capitals - to continue on the path of enlargement. Active enlargement does not only mean shifting borders and new EU funds - it means that the European family is growing. The people in Europe are at the heart of this enlargement; therefore it is essential that citizens across old, new and prospective member states endorse this process.
Concerning the Western Balkans, Hannes Swoboda added:
"The countries of the Western Balkan must remain fully focused on implementing tangible reforms, especially concerning the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
"I am glad to see significant progress in Albania, notably since its elections, as well as renewed political will for dialogue in Serbia and Kosovo. Montenegro now also has the opportunity to deliver results on chapter 23/24, but freedom of expression must be strengthened for a swift continuation of its accession process.
"I deplore that Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to delay progress on its accession file by not implementing the Sejdic-Finci ruling.
"The European Commission has now recommended opening negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the fifth time - the Council needs to finally give up its blockade."
Regarding Turkey's accession process, Hannes Swoboda added:
"After the Gezi park protests and the extreme violence used against demonstrators, EU disengagement of the accession process would be fatal. On the contrary, the relevant negotiation on chapters 23 and 24 must be opened, to address fully the issues of justice, fundamental rights and freedom and security. The reforms relating to freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, the rule of law and the rights of minorities and human-rights activists must be accelerated."
Libor Roucek, S&D Vice-President for enlargement and neighbourhood policies, said:
"The EU and its Member States must honour their political commitment to the Western Balkans enlargement, and keep their sights on the bigger strategic picture.
"In the Western Balkans, the enlargement process is gathering momentum and transforming the region. Croatia became the 28th Member State in July. Montenegro is making steady progress in accession negotiations. In April, the historic EU-facilitated agreement between Serbia and Kosovo paved the way for both to make a leap toward Europe. Serbia is commencing accession negotiations early next year, and Kosovo is entering the Stabilization and Association process. Albania has had a particularly successful year: in June, the country held smooth parliamentary elections that resulted in a pro-European socialist government, and deserves to be granted a candidate status without delay. Likewise, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, having successfully overcome a prolonged political crisis, now deserves a positive decision from the Council on the opening of accession negotiations. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country where progress has stalled, not least due to its leaders' failure to implement the Sejdic-Finci ruling."
* At the occasion of the release of the enlargement package, the S&D Group held a joint conference in Brussels with parliamentarians from Western Balkan socialist parties.
"The socialist and progressive parties are typically the most pro-European forces in the region. Our Group fully supports their efforts to build a European future in the Western Balkans, and will also continue to facilitate contacts between them as a way of fostering regional cooperation. We believe that support for, and engagement with, parliamentarians is absolutely crucial, given the role of national parliaments in enacting reform legislation and overseeing the EU integration process."
Zdroj: http://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu, 16.10.2013
