Statement by Stefan FÜLE (Czech Republic), Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, during his hearing at EP Committees on Foreign Affairs, Development and International Trades in Brussels.

Committee on Foreign Affairs

Brussels

Committee on International Trade

Committee on Development

FÜLE, Štefan (EC)

hearing of Commissioners

2010 Commissioners' hearings (T)

hearing of Stefan FÜLE (T)

Hearing of Stefan FÜLE (Czech Republic), Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy: extracts

SOUNDBITE (English), &#352;tefan F&#220;LE, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, on the importance of visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans. This is a very important step in improving relations with EU countries. I'm very glad that on the 19 Dec. we were able to provide visa-free access to 3 countries. As a Czech citizen, I understand very well just how important it is to travel freely, without being asked for a visa, in the Schengen area. I will work very hard to achieve the same with the two remaining countries, hopefully, by the middle of next year; but of course that will very much depend on work done on their side - and I will recommend also that Bosnia-and-Herzegovina, as well as Albania are added also added to this list.

SOUNDBITE (English), &Scaron;tefan F&Uuml;LE, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, on Turkey he stated that: "religious freedom will be among the key requirements. I will be focusing on our discussion with Turkey as we proceed to the accession negotiations".

SOUNDBITE (English), &Scaron;tefan F&Uuml;LE, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, he adds that he "respects the achievements of Turkey in its reform process to bring itself closer to the EU, and also the strong commitment of the Turkish authorities to the EU. It is an important country and partner in this dialogue on civilisation and it is an important partner in the energy sector. That is why we are engaging with Turkey. That is why we want very much to engage with Turkey on accession talks. Accession talks are the best leverage we have to help Turkey modernise, where together we make clear what the conditions are".

SOUNDBITE (English), &Scaron;tefan F&Uuml;LE, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, On Russia "the future of Eastern Europe is one where each and every country is in charge of its own future, closer to the EU and closer to Russia. I do not see any contradiction here. I do not think it is a matter of those countries choosing between better relations with the EU or with Russia. Russia should be our constructive partner. We should engage with them on many issues, including Eastern partnership. But it is important to be clear when dealing with our Russian partners that the times of zero sum games are over; and that what we are looking for is a win-win- situation for everyone, but firstly for the countries of Eastern Europe.

SOUNDBITE (English), &Scaron;tefan F&Uuml;LE, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, on Serbia and the established interim trade agreement. "There were established positive records, and this is to be welcomed. I hope that in six months' time when EU member states come back to the issue of SAA ratification, we will have the position of a positive report from ICTY and be able to proceed with this ratification.

SOUNDBITE (English), &Scaron;tefan F&Uuml;LE, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, on borders, which border are we talking about? - Geographical borders, political borders, historical borders? If I look at Art 49 and the Lisbon treaty I do not see any indication of this concept but I do see the interesting concept of diversity.