Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
72. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which development in the Western Balkans continues to be a feature for discussions at EU level; the efforts being made to ensure ongoing evolution of peaceful and democratic structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31125/13]
View answer73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which plans for EU enlargement continue in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31126/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
As the Deputy will be aware from my previous replies to his PQs on the subjects, Ireland is supportive of enlargement and of the EU perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans. We see enlargement as a vital tool for promoting reform, democracy and stability in Europe. During our Presidency we have worked to facilitate progress for all candidates and prospective candidates, based on an enlargement policy focussed on credibility and conditionality.
I am pleased that discussions on enlargement and the Western Balkans feature at the Foreign Affairs Council, General Affairs Council and European Council this week. Following substantial progress in Serbia and Kosovo, I am confident that decisions will be taken on opening accession negotiations with Serbia and Stabilisation and Association Agreement negotiations with Kosovo.
The Irish Presidency has opened a negotiating Chapter with Montenegro. We have also overseen progress on the important rule of law Chapters (23 and 24).
On Turkey, the Irish Presidency has worked hard to reinvigorate the accession process through preparing the ground for the opening of the first negotiating Chapter in three years (22 – Regional Policy and coordination of structural instruments). These efforts will continue until the end of our Presidency. While the recent unrest in Turkey has been a cause for deep concern, Ireland takes the view that greater EU engagement with Turkey is necessary. The protests show Turkey needs further reforms and we believe the accession process is the best way to deliver these.
For Iceland, no further progress is expected during our Presidency following the new government’s decision to halt the accession process ahead of a referendum on accession. It is the democratic right of the new government in Iceland, in consultation with the people, to decide if they wish to continue accession negotiations, and we must respect their choice.
Following the political crisis in Macedonia in the early months of this year, a decision is not anticipated on opening accession negotiations during our Presidency. However it will be important for the EU to remain engaged with Macedonia in the coming months.
Likewise, a decision on granting candidate status to Albania is not anticipated at this time, as there has been little progress on the reforms required to achieve this. The conduct of the elections there last Sunday will be a consideration when the Council comes to review Albania’s application for membership again in December.
Reforms and progress have also been lacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Foreign Affairs Council next month should provide an opportunity for the EU to consider its overall approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finally, the Irish Presidency has overseen the final stages of Croatia’s accession process. Ireland very much looks forward to welcoming Croatia as the EU’s newest Member State on 1 July, and I am pleased and honoured to be attending the accession celebrations in Zagreb on the final day of Ireland’s Presidency on 30 June.
