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EU Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2014

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Questions (33)

Brendan Smith

Question:

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the European Union membership applications submitted by Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey and Iceland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19859/14]

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Written answers

There are currently five countries that are candidates to join the European Union, Turkey, Iceland, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia, each of which is at a different stage on its path towards membership. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999 and is currently in accession negotiations with the European Union. The most recent chapter in the negotiations was opened last year, following agreement reached under the Irish Presidency of the EU. To date, some fourteen chapters have been opened in the negotiations. Montenegro has been a candidate since 2010 and began accession negotiations in 2012. These negotiations are continuing with two key chapters relating to the judiciary, fundamental rights and justice, freedom and security opened at the end of 2013.

Iceland is still officially a candidate for EU membership, although the Icelandic Government is currently considering its application following its decision last year to place the accession negotiations on hold.

Serbia is the most recent country to start accession negotiations with the European Union, which were launched earlier this year.

Macedonia has been a candidate since 2005 but has yet to start accession negotiations. In December last year, the General Affairs Council concluded:

“With a view to a possible decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Council will revert to the issue in 2014, on the basis of an update by the Commission on further implementation of reforms in the context of the High Level Accession Dialogue, including the implementation of the 1 March political agreement and on tangible steps taken to promote good neighbourly relations and to reach a negotiated and mutually accepted solution to the name issue.”

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