Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the European Union remains committed to ongoing peaceful support and development of the western Balkans with the objective of eventual EU membership; the extent to which the acquis communautaire conditions continue to be met by the countries involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14490/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The European Commission presented its Strategy for the Western Balkan Countries in February 2018 and is scheduled to publish country reports in April. The Strategy confirmed the European perspective of the region, while emphasising that accession for all countries was strictly contingent on their meeting the relevant accession criteria. In particular, the Strategy stressed that the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, and good neighbourly relations are fundamental. The Strategy also outlined a number of flagship initiatives that will be implemented by the EU to facilitate reform and development in the countries of the Western Balkans countries. Countries wishing to become Member States of the European Union must comply with the acquis communautaire. The acquisis the body of common rights and obligations that is binding on all the EU member states. It is constantly evolving and comprises:- the content, principles and political objectives of the Treaties;

- legislation adopted pursuant to the Treaties and the case law of the Court of Justice;

- declarations and resolutions adopted by the Union;

- instruments under the Common Foreign and Security Policy; and

- international agreements concluded by the Union and those entered into by the member states among themselves within the sphere of the Union's activities.

have to accept the acquisbefore they can join the EU and make EU law part of their own national legislation. Adoption and implementation of the are the basis of the .

When a candidate moves into formal membership negotiations, the focus is on the adoption of established EU law. This involves preparations for applying, enforcing and implementing the judicial, administrative, economic and other reforms necessary for the country to meet the accession criteria.

The EU has opened formal negotiations with two countries in the Western Balkans: Montenegro and Serbia. Albania and Macedonia are hoping to begin accession talks this year. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo are making progress on their European paths.