Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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112. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the situation in the Western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57844/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The uncertainties and challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlight the clear need for continuing strong engagement by the EU in the Western Balkans and support to our partners in the region.

The Western Balkans was on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 November which I attended and where discussion primarily focussed on increased tensions in Northern Kosovo; the deepening political crisis in Montenegro; the post-election situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and the EU’s energy support package for the region.

The EU needs to demonstrate solidarity with our Western Balkans partners in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the major impact which this is having on energy and food security in the region. In this regard, Ireland warmly welcomes the major energy supports amounting to €1 billion announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Commissioner Varhelyi aimed primarily at improving energy infrastructure in the region, in addition to short-term support measures for individual Western Balkan countries.

In my own intervention, I emphasised the need for the EU to strengthen engagement with the region, particularly in relation to hybrid threats, disinformation, and food and energy security.

I also addressed the increased tensions in Northern Kosovo, where de-escalation is needed on both sides. Regulations on the use of licence plates should be implemented as per previous agreements reached under the EU-facilitated Dialogue. I would also encourage Kosovo Serb officials in Northern Kosovo to return to their posts as soon as possible. The Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue represents the only viable basis for normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo and advancing both their European perspectives.

The continuing political impasse in Montenegro is also a cause for concern. I hope we will soon see an agreed political roadmap which prioritises respect for the rule of law and will allow the country to move forward with the necessary reforms as part of its EU perspective.