Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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220. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress is or can be reported in relation to Ukrainian access to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49417/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability, peace, and economic growth.

I welcomed the 23 June decision of the European Council to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine, as well as to Moldova. The decision was a clear signal of hope to the people and Government of Ukraine about their place in the European family. It was a message that Europe stands with them now, that we will continue to stand with in the future, and that we will support the rebuilding of Ukraine. 

On 17 June, the European Commission had published an Opinion on the EU membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. The Opinion essentially gave a blueprint for the steps the three countries should take to move closer to EU membership.

The Commission has announced its intention to review the three countries' applications for membership, on the basis of the priorities set out in the respective Opinions, at the end of 2022.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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221. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of applications for European Union membership that are currently in progress in relation to each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49418/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress of European enlargement with particular reference to the Western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49421/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 224 together.

Ireland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries.

There are currently seven recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Ukraine and Moldova. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Kosovo are recognised as potential candidates by the EU.

The EU officially launched accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia in July 2022. This progress is a very welcome development, as it sends an important signal to the entire Western Balkans region that the EU remains serious about enlargement.

The EU is encouraging greater reform efforts in Serbia and Montenegro to accelerate their accession paths, particularly in relation to rule of law and good governance. Serbia’s non-alignment with the EU common position relating to Russia has been of concern recently.

Candidate status was granted to Ukraine and Moldova in June 2022, on the understanding that reforms are taken in a number of areas. The Commission will monitor the progress of both countries in meeting these reforms, and report on them by the end of the year.

Accession negotiations with Turkey have largely stalled due to backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia have formally submitted applications for membership and both are recognised as potential candidate countries, but further reforms will be required in each country before any granting of candidate status can be considered. Kosovo has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, and has indicated an intention to submit a formal application for EU membership during 2022.

Ireland believes that the accession process needs to be improved and accelerated where possible. The new accession methodology is a positive step in this regard, but more must be done to maintain the reform commitment and aspirations of those seeking to join, including through use of the accelerated integration procedures provided for in the new methodology.

Ireland will continue to strongly support the EU enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate and potential candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.