Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he directly and together with his EU and UN colleagues remain focused on any issues arising in the Western Balkans with particular reference to the need to ensure and protect democracy and democratic structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33895/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of 22nd May, which addressed the issues raised. There have been two developments of note in the interim period.

In relation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first round of the high level dialogue on accession took place in Brussels in June. This dialogue is a new initiative aimed at helping Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward in the accession process by explaining the methodology of EU accession negotiations and by discussing what is expected from a candidate country. The Commission expects the dialogue to demonstrate, using concrete examples, why an effective and efficient co-ordination mechanism on EU matters needs to be in place in order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to be able to negotiate with the EU and speak with one voice.

The European Council also took a decision to open accession negotiations with Montenegro on 29th June. The Commission will now begin the screening process, which will continue during our Presidency in 2013 and, depending on the progress made, some Chapters might be opened during our term. Chapter 23 on Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom and Security will be the focus of particular attention.