Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of applications of countries that have applied for membership of the European Union; the likely timescale for the progression of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15890/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU continues to encourage peaceful coexistence throughout the Western Balkans with particular reference to the need to ensure that achievements to date continue to be developed, supported and expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15933/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 80 together.

Enlargement is one of the most successful EU policies, and it is a priority for the Irish Presidency. We see it as a vital tool for promoting reform, democracy and stability in the Western Balkans and throughout Europe, and we are working to facilitate and advance the process for all candidates and prospective candidates.

Of those countries who have submitted an application for EU membership, Croatia has completed its negotiations and is expected to accede to the EU on 1 July 2013. Iceland, Turkey and Montenegro are currently in accession negotiations. Serbia and Macedonia are official EU candidates, but have yet to begin accession negotiations. Albania has applied for EU membership, but has yet to be granted official candidate status. Although they have yet to submit applications for EU membership, the December 2012 European Council Conclusions have reaffirmed the EU perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

As with any negotiation, it is difficult to put a timeframe on the eventual outcomes. Enlargement is a conditional process, whereby prospective members can advance on their EU paths by fulfilling the criteria and reforms required for EU membership. Each applicant is considered on its own merits.

The accession process is the EU’s most concrete and effective policy for promoting peace, stability and democracy; the prospect of EU membership provides a powerful incentive for reform in applicant and potential applicant countries. Regional cooperationand good neighbourly relations are essential elements of the Stabilisation and Association process and, as such, are closely monitored by the Commission at all stages of the accession process. The December 2012 Council Conclusions on enlargement made particular reference to the importance of good neighbourly relations among countries. High Representative Ashton and the European External Action Service continue to facilitate a Dialogue between the governments of Belgrade and Pristina in an effort to improve relations between their two countries.

The EU’s proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2014-2020 also includes provision for IPA II, the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance. This is a continuation of the Instrument that has been in place since 2007 which assists candidate and prospective candidate countries in preparing for accession, including by way of institution building and adoption of the EU acquis.