Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
893. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress continues to be made in respect of the application for membership of the European Union by the western Balkan applicant countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38399/15]
View answer906. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which applicant countries for European Union membership continue to have their applications progressed and in accordance with the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 893 and 906 together.
There are currently five countries which have Candidate Status, including four in the Western Balkans – Turkey, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.
Ireland has long been a supporter of Enlargement, which is a conditional process: the European Commission continues to work actively to support prospective member states in implementing reforms in order to make progress on their respective EU paths.
The annual Enlargement Package is expected to be published on Thursday, 5 November. This will provide an important opportunity to review progress on accession over the previous year.
