Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues continue to encourage and support the peaceful evolution of structures in the Western Balkans with particular reference to ensuring compliance with the EU acquis communautaire, in preparation for EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9269/13]
View answer81. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which EU enlargement continues to remain a central issue at EU Council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9270/13]
View answer82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the priority list in respect of EU enlargement; the degree to which the various preparatory procedures have been complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9271/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 to 82, inclusive, together.
EU enlargement is a priority for the Irish Presidency. We see it as a vital tool for promoting reform, democracy and stability in Europe, and we are working to facilitate and advance the process for all candidates and prospective candidates.
At the December 2012 General Affairs Council there was substantive discussion on enlargement, and the European Council Conclusions of 14 December 2012 allow for further discussions at Council on the enlargement agenda during our Presidency. The Conclusions reaffirmed the EU perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans. Notably, they invited the Commission and EEAS to report back to Council later this year on progress on reforms in Macedonia, Serbia, Albania and Kosovo, with a view to the Council possibly taking decisions on the opening of accession negotiations with Macedonia and Serbia, granting of candidate status to Albania, and the opening of Stability and Association Agreement negotiations with Kosovo.
In addition to working to facilitate such decisions at Council if the Commission and EEAS report positively, the Irish Presidency will continue to pursue other priorities on the enlargement agenda, including overseeing the final monitoring report on Croatia, progressing negotiations with Iceland and Montenegro, and working to reinvigorate Turkey’s accession process. The EU also continues to encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the necessary reforms to enable it to progress on its EU path.
The proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2014-2020 includes provision for IPA II, the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance. This is a continuation of the Instrument that has been in place since 2007 which assists candidate and prospective candidate countries in preparing for accession, including by way of institution building and adoption of the EU acquis.
