Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU remains focused on the issues affecting the western Balkans with particular reference to the need to ensure the future of the democratic process and compliance with the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36554/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There are currently five countries which have Candidate Status, including four in the Western Balkans – Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.

Ireland has long been a supporter of the Enlargement policy of the EU, believing that it is a transformative driver for peace, stability and prosperity.

The European Commission continues to work actively to support prospective member states in implementing reforms in order to make progress on their respective EU paths. The Commission published its most recent reports on the ‘state of play’ in the candidate and potential candidate countries on 9 November. The reports are currently being assessed by the working groups of the European Union and will be discussed by Ministers at the General Affairs Council in December.

The European Union is committed to promoting ‘fundamentals first’ - a focus on the rule of law, including security, fundamental rights, democratic institutions and public administration reform, as well as on economic development and competitiveness. This year’s reports show progress in these key areas and also highlight remaining challenges and areas where more work is required. Ireland remains committed to working with our EU partners as well as with the candidate countries to assist in meeting these challenges.