Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 209: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in regard to the development of democracy in the Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39606/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The EU has taken the lead role in working with the countries of the western Balkans to consolidate peace and stability in the region and to promote economic development and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Progress and developments are reviewed regularly by the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC.

The overall framework for relations with the countries of the region was confirmed at the EU western Balkans summit in June 2003. The summit confirmed that the future of the region lies in its eventual integration into European structures. The achievement of this aim will involve the fulfilment of clear and objective political and economic criteria by the democratically elected Governments of the region under the EU's stabilisation and association process.

The following is the position for each country of the region with regard to the stabilisation and association process. On 3 October the Council agreed to open EU accession negotiations with Croatia. A screening process is under way and it is expected that negotiations on certain chapters could be opened in the course of next year. Negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement, SAA, with Bosnia-Herzegovina opened on 25 November.

Following a Council decision of 3 October 2005 to authorise the Commission to open negotiations for a SAA with Serbia and Montenegro and Kosovo, the negotiations began on 10 October. An SAA with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, has been in force since 1 April 2004. Last month the Commission repeated that FYROM had made considerable progress in implementing reform. The question of whether FYROM should be granted candidate status will be considered further at this week's European Council. Negotiations for an SAA with Albania began in January 2003. The Commission recently indicated that progress in Albania would pave the way for negotiations on the SAA to be concluded.

This progress reflects the effectiveness of EU policies, based on the fair and rigorous use of conditionality and a clear European perspective. While considerable challenges remain, the functioning of democratic institutions in the region is generally improving. Each country's progress towards EU membership will, of course, depend on how quickly it conforms to the Copenhagen criteria and the requirements of the stabilisation and association process, including full co-operation with the tribunal in The Hague. In this context, the Deputy will be aware of the recent arrest of former Croatian general Ante Gotovina, which we welcome.

In the period ahead, the political process to determine the future status of Kosovo will be a priority for the EU's policy towards the region. The EU has given its full support to this process and to Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, the UN status envoy who leads the discussions. The ongoing implementation of standards in Kosovo will continue to be of paramount importance and further progress will be required, including on protection of minorities, full respect for the rule of law and a transparent public administration free from political interference. The EU will participate fully in the process including through its representative, Mr. Stefan Lehne, who will continue to liaise closely with Mr. Ahtisaari's team and other key international contacts.

While progress remains uneven and a number of severe challenges remain, it is clear that the region generally is moving away from instability and violence towards the consolidation of democratic structures. The Government, with our partners in the European Union, looks forward to continued positive engagement with the countries of the region in the period ahead.