Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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150. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to positively influence matters in the western Balkans with particular reference to preparations for European Union membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4410/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The EU remains dedicated to supporting the European future of the Western Balkans. In the Council Conclusions on Enlargement which were agreed on Tuesday 26 June 2018, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to enlargement and stated that it continues to represent a strategic investment in peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe. The Conclusions also stated that the EU is determined to strengthen and intensify its engagement at all levels to support the region's political, economic and social transformation, including through increased assistance, based on tangible progress on the rule of law, as well as on socio-economic reforms, by the countries in the region.

There is a recognition that this is not only a strategic investment in Europe's security and prosperity, but that it can also contribute greatly to the long term stability of formerly war-torn areas in that it helps create a political environment conducive to bilateral issues being resolved, as we have witnessed recently in the agreement between Athens and Skopje on the name issue.

As a demonstration of the EU’s commitment, the European Commission adopted in 2018 a strategy for ‘A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans’. In this Strategy, the Commission sets out clearly the actions that it will implement in the short to medium term to boost transformation efforts in the region in areas of mutual interest. These actions are set out across six flagship initiatives: strengthening the rule of law, reinforcing cooperation on security and migration and expanding the EU Energy Union into the Western Balkans, lowering roaming charges and rolling out broadband in the region. In addition, the Strategy underlines the need for the EU to be prepared to welcome new members on the condition they have met the rigorous criteria for doing so.

It should also be noted that the Commission proposal for the new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance fund (IPA III) for the 2021-2027 period, envisages a 13% increase (to €14.5 billion) compared to current funding, and also seeks to make this fund more strategic by clearly anchoring it in the context of the Western Balkans Strategy.

Over the longer-term, there is a recognition in the EU that enlargement is a geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values. A credible accession perspective is the key driver of transformation in the region as it enhances our collective integration, security, prosperity and social well-being.