MEPs and the European Commission review together the latest developments in the Western Balkans and assess the political situation in three accession countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia. Extracts from the debates.

EU enlargement to Western Balkans - Political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia: extracts from the debates

Title: EU enlargement to Western Balkans - Political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia: extracts from the debates 

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), The European Council has declared its readiness to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a crucial moment for the country, for the Western Balkans and for Europe. Strengthening the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and the fight against organised crime and corruption will be central to this positive assessment of the two main challenges that Bosnia Herzegovina currently faces are not technical but political.

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), The secessionist movements orchestrated by the leadership of the Republika Srpska and the impasse in negotiations on electoral and constitutional reforms which will bring Bosnia-Herzegovina in line with European norms.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, We expect to see tangible reforms. In view of fulfilling the 14 key priorities from the Commission's opinion, these key priorities, as we know, cover reforms in the areas of democracy and functionality, the rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reform. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear European perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, The full functioning of state institutions is key for its EU path. I expect the representatives of Republika Srpska to put an end to political crisis and to ensure the full functioning of state institutions.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vladimir BILCIK (EPP, SK), This House remains a staunch supporter of EU enlargement. As the European Parliament reiterates its support for Serbia's EU membership. It also recalls that a credible enlargement perspective requires political will, sustainable efforts and irreversible reforms in all areas, particularly those linked to the rule of law, as well as unwavering commitment to European standards and values.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vladimir BILCIK (EPP, SK), The report reiterates that the progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights chapters full alignment with EU foreign security and defence policy, including sanctions against Russia, as well as the normalisation of Serbia's relations with Kosovo, will determine the pace of accession.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vladimir BILCIK (EPP, SK), It remains important to be consistent. Certain open issues remain as open as they were at the opening of the accession negotiations. This regards improving electoral conditions, fight against corruption and organised crime, improving media environment, and repeated calls for cross-party consensus on EU related reforms for ensuring the country's progress on its EU path.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, There have been significant improvements, including those that allowed participation of all political forces. But the challenges remain. Therefore, the work needs to continue to further strengthen the functioning of democratic institutions. The progress made by Serbia on EU related reforms has allowed us to open last December for the first time a cluster of four chapters on the green agenda and sustainable connectivity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, It is also important that Serbia decreases its dependence on Russian gas. The beginning of works on the Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector, for which the EU provided almost $50 million, is an important joint step towards securing and diversifying gas supply for Serbia.

SOUNDBITE (English), Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL (Greens/EFA, DE), Kosovo keeps proving its democratic capacities by organising free, fair and transparent elections. It is indeed a great example for all Western Balkan states how to promote and nurture democratic standards, political dialogue and freedom of expression. The media landscape is diverse and represents the real control mechanism for the ruling parties.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, However, we need to do more to ensure that journalists remain independent and are protected from the party affiliated tycoons. I call the Government of Kosovo to implement the Constitutional Court judgement and demonstrate that it does not have a selective approach when it comes to the application of rule of law.

SOUNDBITE (English), Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL (Greens/EFA, DE), Let me emphasise once again that without a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, the accession to the Union will not occur.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Kosovo's government continues to be resolute in its efforts to deliver EU related reforms, including in key areas such as the fight against corruption and organised crime. We would like to see a faster pace of reform, including at the Assembly, which has a critical role to play in advancing the government's EU agenda.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARCIC, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, We welcome Kosovo's efforts to improve the efficiency, integrity and professionalism of the judiciary. So we should finalise its energy strategy for the next ten years and begin its transition towards decarbonisation and green energy sources as soon as possible. We remain committed to help Kosovo in every way we can, including through our financial assistance.

EU enlargement to Western Balkans - Political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia: extracts from the debates

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