Toespraak Eurocommissaris Rehn over de toekomst van de EU (en)
EU Commissioner for Enlargement
Enlargement policy in 2009 - an outlook
ECOSOC External Relations
Brussels, 5 February 2009
Mr President,
Honourable Members of the European Economic and Social Committee,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to address today's meeting of the Section for External Relations of the European Economic and Social Committee.
The year 2009 marks a historic, double-anniversary.Twenty years ago, we saw the Iron Curtain crumble, and peaceful democratic change transform central and Eastern Europe. And in May this year, we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the latest enlargement that brought in altogether 12 new Member States.
It is therefore a good time to reflect on EU enlargement, and recall its importance as one of the Union's most powerful policy tools.
No doubt, the context in which we are discussing EU enlargement today is changing.
The global economic crisis, for one, has shaken our economies deeply and taken centre-stage in both domestic and international politics.
If this crisis shows anything, it is that the global economy in general, and international financial markets in particular, are now so integrated that only stronger global governance and concerted action will do.
That’s why the European Commission has launched a recovery plan, aimed at stimulating the economy by a coordinated and tailored injection of 200 billion Euros, or 1.5% of the EU’s GNP.
The Georgian conflict from last summer and this winter's gas crisis have unveiled security challenges on our eastern doorstep, that many thought were history. This is one of the reasons why the Commission has proposed a ambitious new chapter in the EU's relations with its Eastern neighbours: the Eastern Partnership.
The Eastern Partnership responds to the desire of the EU's Eastern neighbours to move closer to the European Union. It will contribute to the development of stability, better governance and economic development on our Eastern borders. The Eastern Partnership borrows the best of the Union's enlargement "tool box," testifying to how much we got right in European unification to date.
Finally, Lisbon Treaty ratification weighs heavily on the minds of European leaders these days. We need the Lisbon Treaty to make the current EU function better and deliver the results its citizens expect.
The European Commission is strongly committed to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. This is clearly a priority for the EU. However, this does not mean that our important work in other areas should be put on hold.
We can not take a sabbatical from our work for peace and stability on the continent. While the EU pursues its institutional reform, we will keep on working in parallel on a carefully managed and gradual accession process in South East Europe.
Like in central and eastern Europe before, the European perspective of South East Europe is a formidable transformational force. The region is strategically important for the European Union as well. We have common security, economic and energy interests. And let us not forget about the region's citizens: They, more than anything, want a European future.
Civil society in South East Europe is key. A strong civil society is both an anchor and a sign of a mature democracy. This is why the Commission is tripling our funding for civil society in the Western Balkans over the period 2008-10. In 2008 alone, we committed over €30 million Euro to civil society.
The freedom to travel matters enormously to ordinary citizens. That is why the Commission is pursuing dialogue on visa liberalisation with Western Balkans. We have given each country concerned a so-called "road map" outlining the conditions for visa free travel into the EU. The countries that are the most advanced in meeting these conditions could see visa restrictions lifted this year. This would be another historic event for 2009.
What else lies in store for the year ahead?
Croatia's negotiations are at an advanced stage. The Croatian government is pressing to complete negotiations by the end of 2009. In November, the Commission presented an indicative roadmap for how to approach the final stage of these negotiations.
Although Croatia has made much progress, it needs to meet the benchmarks which have been set, especially on the fight against crime and corruption and restructuring the ship-building sector. I am also concerned by the recent developments in Croatia's cooperation with ICTY. On a separate issue, the border issue with Slovenia is currently blocking Croatia's progress in the accession negotiations. The Commission has put forward a proposal for a certain kind of European facilitation, which I hope will help solve the border issue and continue Croatia's accession negotiations.
The EU's accession negotiations with Turkey are proceeding at a modest but steady pace. Turkey is a strategic partner for the EU. I am pleased that there has been some progress with freedom of expression, with the amendment of Article 301 of the penal code. This was long overdue. The rights of non-Muslim religious minorities have also been strengthened by the adoption of a new law on foundations. Still, much remains to be done.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has achieved candidate status. To open accession negotiations, it must now satisfy the basic European requirements. The forthcoming elections in March this year will be a key test. In addition, the dispute with Greece concerning the name of the country must be resolved. Much time has been lost already.
Montenegro submitted its application for EU membership last December. Since independence in 2006, it has adopted a new constitution, made progress on EU reforms, and signed and implemented its so-called "Stabilisation and Association Agreement" with the EU, the gateway to candidate status. Much more work is needed, including on the rule of law and institution building. But Montenegro has come a far way in a short time.
Albania is in a rather similar position. It has made steady progress on reform as well in recent years. Albania signed its Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU already in 2006. Many challenges remain, of course, not least in fighting organised crime and corruption. Albania must ensure that its next elections meet international standards.
Bosnia and Herzegovina made some progress in 2008, and – over time – a slow but steady process of stabilisation has taken place. In this context, I look forward to reading this Committee's exploratory opinion on Bosnia, which I believe is in the pipeline.
I admit that Bosnia and Herzegovina poses major challenges. Its leaders need to achieve the degree of political consensus that has delivered progress on EU integration elsewhere in the region, or risk to fall behind their neighbours. I hope 2009 will be a year of renewed responsibility in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not a year of continued discord. Some positive steps have been taken recently. If sustained, they may allow for the closure of the Office of the High Representative and a simultaneous reinforcement of the EU's presence in the country. This would be a monumental step forward for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU aspirations.
I will be in Belgrade next week to reiterate the EUs' strong support for Serbia's European future. I hope that the Council of the European Union will soon be able to recognise Serbia's full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Serbia's administrative capacity would then allow it to accelerate its path towards the EU. But this depends on Serbia meeting the EU's political conditions.
2008 was a big year for Kosovo. It declared its independence in February, and 54 states have recognised it so far. A donors conference last summer helped mobilise €1.2 billion for Kosovo's socio-economic development. And the EU's largest civilian operation ever – EULEX – counting nearly 2000 police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials, is now deployed. The Commission will present a study in 2009 to help ensure Kosovo's continued development and EU orientation.
Meanwhile, on Cyprus, a settlement process is underway that could lead to the reunification of the island, possibly starting already next year.
Allow me a final reflection on the public debate on enlargement in this European election year. We need to communicate the benefits of enlargement better. Otherwise, in these tough economic times, negativity prevails too easily.
We must listen to our citizens, address their concerns, and provide factual information. This is a common task for us all. You, as Members of ECOSOC, have an important role to play as a bridge between the EU institutions and civil society.
Enlargement remains one of the EU's most important tools of transformation and soft power. It has surprised its sceptics before, and it can do so again in South East Europe, despite the challenges ahead this year.
Thank you.