Actualités
European Parliament votes in favour of visa-free travel for citizens of three Western Balkan states
12/11/2009 On 12 November the European Parliament voted in favour of visa-free travel for citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. This sends a positive signal to the region and marks an important step towards its European integration. The final decision will be taken by the Council of the European Union on 30 November. Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which do not yet meet the requirements for visa liberalisation, were reassured that they have a clear perspective for visa free travel as soon as they have implemented the necessary reforms.
Financial package for the accession negotiations with Croatia adopted
10/11/2009 The Commission adopted a Communication on a so-called "financial package" for the accession negotiations with Croatia on 29 October. Based on existing EU legislation and on the methodology used in the financial negotiations with the 12 newest member states, the Communication makes proposals for financial amounts in favour of Croatia following its accession to the EU. The Communication will serve as a basis for the Council to debate the main financial aspects of the accession of Croatia to the EU. This will allow the accession negotiations to make further progress, in particular in the fields of agriculture, regional policy, and financial and budgetary provisions.
Commissioner Rehn welcomes Serbian Foreign Minister Jeremic
05/11/2009 On 5 November Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn met with the Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic. This meeting gave them an opportunity to discuss the findings of the recently published Commission progress report on Serbia. Commissioner Rehn commended the Serbian Government, the Parliament and civil society for making concerted efforts in driving the reform process forward. He also reiterated the Commission's view expressed in its enlargement strategy that the Interim Agreement should be unblocked on the basis of progress made by Serbia. On the same day, Commissioner Rehn also met Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, the leader of the Turkish-Cypriot community during his visit to Brussels, on his request. Main subject of the meeting were recent developments in the Cyprus settlement talks.