Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues remain to be engaged in positively influencing the situation in the Western Balkans with particular reference to EU enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21988/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Together with its EU partners, Ireland attaches considerable importance to achieving stability in the countries of the Western Balkans, which were recognised as having a perspective towards EU membership by the European Council at Thessaloniki in 2003. The efforts made by the countries of the region to meet the criteria for membership of the EU have varied.

While the future prospect of EU membership is a very important element of our relations with countries in the Western Balkan region, the European Union's Stabilisation and Association (SAA) process provides the framework for co-operation on economic, political and legal matters and aims to bring countries closer to EU standards and principles. The SAA process, therefore, is the framework in which our engagement is managed on an ongoing basis in order to positively influence the situation in the region. Stabilisation and Association Agreements have now been signed with all the countries in the region except Kosovo.

In terms of EU enlargement, Croatia is at an advanced stage in its accession negotiations and hopes to bring them to completion as soon as possible, but it needs to address some outstanding issues, including full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia. The EU continues to work closely with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as it works towards opening EU accession negotiations. In March, elections were held there and in Montenegro. The conduct of these polls was largely in line with accepted international standards. On 15 December 2008, Montenegro submitted its application to join the European Union, which the Council has referred to the European Commission for a formal opinion. Albania submitted a formal application to join the EU on 28 April 2009.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to monitor developments in this region closely. Through our programme of assistance to new Member States and candidate countries, a large number of officials from these countries have participated in Irish-run training programmes. These have served to enhance their knowledge of the EU and to assist them with their preparations for accession to the Union.

In our contribution to EU discussions, we will continue to support the reform process across the Western Balkans as this represents the best way in which these countries can prepare for the fulfilment of their aspirations with regard to EU membership.