I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 57 and 58 together.
Together with my EU colleagues, I follow very closely the situation in the Western Balkans on an on-going basis. As well as our on-going support for their efforts to align with the acquis communautaire in preparation for EU membership, we monitor the social and economic situation in the region with particular attention.
As the Deputy will be aware, none of the countries of the Western Balkans is a functioning market economy but each is working towards that goal. All are affected by high unemployment, particularly among young people. While they have been hit by the global economic crisis, recovery in the EU should have a positive impact on the region. The European Commission has forecast that the Western Balkans’ economies should grow by 2% GDP in 2013. This modest recovery is not a guarantee for sustainable growth and convergence, however, and significant challenges remain. The lack of economic growth and job opportunities in some countries has led to public demonstrations recently.
The EU, as part of its overall support for the region and for the EU perspective of the Western Balkans, is actively supporting their economic growth and reforms. Our aim is the development of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Western Balkans region.
For example, the European Commission is strengthening dialogue on economic governance with the countries of the region this year to help them better prepare for eventual Union membership in terms of economic reform, competitiveness and job creation. This is an initiative that Ireland very much supports. The EU also places the rule of law at the heart of the enlargement process, recognising that this is key for economic development and for creating a favourable business environment and investment climate.
As part of our ongoing monitoring of the situation in the region, at the last Foreign Affairs Council, on 10 February, we discussed developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in light of the public demonstrations there in the days preceding the Council. We recalled the importance of that country’s leaders working together on important reforms, including economic reforms, in the interests of their peoples and with a view to advancing their country on its EU path. I expect that we will be returning to the subject of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a future Council.
We in Ireland also remain fully engaged with the Western Balkans region. My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, has recently visited both Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to express our continued support for their efforts to advance on their respective EU paths. Both he and I also met with the Foreign Minister of Kosovo when he visited Dublin in January. We discussed the progress that Kosovo has made as well as the challenges that remain and assured him of our on-going support for his country.
Together with our EU counterparts, we will remain fully engaged with the region and supportive of the efforts of the countries of the Western Balkans as they undertake the necessary reforms, especially economic reforms, and prepare for EU membership.
