Croatia: Commission adopted the Monitoring Report on accession preparations

24/04/2012The European Commission adopted its Monitoring Report on Croatia’s accession preparations on 24 April. This document is part of the regular 6-monthly monitoring as foreseen by the Accession Treaty. The Monitoring Report assesses the progress made by Croatia in its preparations for accession to the European Union. It provides an overall assessment of the level of preparedness for membership, and highlights the areas where further efforts are necessary in order for Croatia to be fully ready for membership on 1 July 2013. Croatia has reached a considerable degree of alignment with the acquis and in most areas, preparations for membership are well advanced. Nevertheless, the Commission has identified a limited number of issues requiring further efforts. “The report shows that Croatia is on track. I am convinced that Zagreb will take all the final steps necessary to ensu

EU supports historic step in regional cooperation between Western Balkan countries on refugees and displaced persons

24/04/2012A Conference on housing solutions for refugees and displaced persons was organised in Sarajevo on 24 April to underline the international community's firm support to close the refugee chapter across the region. On the occasion, the international donor community has pledged € 261 million in support of the Regional Housing Programme, with the overall EU pledge reaching € 230 million. The conference was chaired by Mr. Damir Ljubić – Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina and introductory speeches held by Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the OSCE, Mr. Joost Korte, Deputy Director-General at DG ELARG and Mr. David Robinson, Acting Assistant Secretary of State of the US. Commissioner Štefan Füle also attended the event and delivered

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Progress and outstanding issues in EU agenda

17/04/2012Key priorities for the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU integration process were discussed at the meeting of Commissioner Štefan Füle with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zlatko Lagumdžija on 17 April in Brussels. "I have welcomed a number of recent positive developments including the adoption of the state aid and census laws which are crucial steps for progress on Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path. However there are still outstanding issues which require further efforts. The entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU is within reach. But Bosnia and Herzegovina must make a credible effort to bring its Constitution into compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights in line with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdić-Finci case. I regret that the Joint Parliamenta

So similar, so different, so European – a new video on EU enlargement

22/02/2012Under the campaign slogan ‘So similar, so different, so European’, a new video clip produced by the European Commission encourages the viewer to challenge their perception of the countries of Southeast Europe that are hoping to join the EU. The video forms part of a wider campaign that aims at raising awareness and showing another side of the region.  In addition to the video clip, a well-stocked and up-to-date media corner featuring additional photographic and video coverage is made available for journalists.

EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans until 2015

30/12/2011The European Union re-established the exceptional autonomous trade preferences on 30 December, which it grants to all Western Balkan countries including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/1999, until the end of 2015. Western Balkan economies will therefore continue as of 1 January 2011 to benefit from an unlimited duty-free access to the EU market for nearly all products originating in these countries and territories. Together with the bilateral Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) in place with all Western Balkan countries except Kosovo, these trade preferences support economic integration with the EU and hence foster political stability and economic progress in the entire region. The autonomous trade preferences should allow all Western Balkan countries to further benefit from the preferential trade regime, where this is more beneficial than the treatment foreseen in the SAAs.

EU continues to assist the enlargement countries through a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)

07/12/2011

A proposal for a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) was adopted today by the European Commission, building on positive experience from the current assistance. The total amount proposed is €14,110 million over the period 2014-2020. The objectives of the revised assistance are to better translate political priorities into key actions, focusing on specific policy areas. The needs of the beneficiaries will be more closely addressed and the administrative burden reduced. The assistance will be more coherent, more effective and will help leverage more investments. Through IPA, the EU will continue to assist the enlargement countries in implementing the comprehensive reforms needed for future membership. Emphasis is put on regional cooperation, implementation of EU laws and standards, and building the capacity to manage the Union's internal policies upon access

EU earmarks €5.5 billion for reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland

13/07/2011The European Commission has finalised its plans for financial support for ongoing reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland for the period of 2011–2013. The plans, called Multi-Annual Indicative Planning Documents (MIPDs), outline a revised strategy for funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA) and will focus on areas such as reform of the judiciary and public administration, regional cooperation, fight against organised crime and corruption. "The funds should act as a catalyst to drive forward reform in the enlargement countries and support the countries along their path of European integration. The EU assistance will also directly impact upon the daily lives of citizens by contributing to improved rule of law, governance, social conditions and economic prospects, particularly important as a nu

New strategy for transport links with enlargement area and beyond

07/07/2011The European Commission launched on 7 July the new Neighbourhood Transport Action Plan to strengthen transport links with neighbouring regions to the East and South of of the EU. This roadmap has concrete measures and actions to achieve Commission's goals in the field of transport, in partnerships with the countries and societies both within and beyond the enlargement area. The roadmap will also contribute to improved mobility and connections within the region, thereby supporting macro-regional strategies such as the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

Beyond 2013: integrated pre-accession assistance

30/06/2011

The European Commission presented today its financial priorities for the years 2014-2020. The proposal sets aside 12.5 billion* for the EU enlargement policy, allowing for a continuation of the current levels of support for candidate and potential candidate countries. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle said: "The Commission's proposal to maintain the current levels of pre-accession assistance will allow the EU to continue strong support for our partners' efforts to prepare for accession and advance their reforms. This will ultimately benefit all of us through greater security and prosperity". More -->

Commissioner Füle visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

06/06/2011''By launching a dialogue on justice related reforms within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process, the EU is offering to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina an important platform. This dialogue provides an opportunity that cannot be missed',' stated Commissioner Füle ahead of his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 6 June. Commissioner will meet with the BiH Presidency members in Sarajevo and with the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik in Banja Luka where he will open the EU-BiH SAA Structured Dialogue on Justice.

Peter SØrensen to be new head of EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

30/05/2011Following the closure of the publication for the post as EU Head of Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton has announced her intention to transfer Peter Sørensen from his current posting as EU Head of Delegation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the post of EU Head of Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This announcement comes at a crucial time for the Western Balkans region and Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular.

High Representative/Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

13/05/2011

High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission Catherine Ashton is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina on 13 May.  In Sarajevo she will hold meetings with the BiH Presidency and in Banja Luka she will meet with the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik. HR/VP Ashton will also meet the leaders of SDP and SDA Zlatko Lagumdzija and Sulejman Tihic."The European Union is reaffirming its clear commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We want to see Bosnia and Herzegovina progress on this path, with the governments formed at all levels and with functioning institutions, in particular on the state level. We want to see the outstanding issues addressed and we want to see all the necessary reforms set in motion. We stand ready to help Bosnia and Herzegovina move forward," said Catherine Ashton ahead of her visit.

Putting freedom of expression at the heart of the accession process

12/05/2011''The European Commission will accept no deviation on the part of candidate countries from European Union standards on freedom of expression and the media'', Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle said in his speech at the Speak Up! Freedom of Expression and Media Conference in Brussels on 6 May. ''In the Western Balkans and Turkey, freedom of expression and the media are under threat. Too often, journalists have either been murdered or violently attacked," said the Commissioner, adding that he would put these issues at the heart of the accession process.

Commission to host a high level international conference on the issue of freedom of media

03/05/2011The European Commission will host on 6 May a high-level international conference entitled "Speak Up!" , in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. This event will bring together more than 400 participants who will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. "Today, on the occasion the World Freedom of Press day, let me reiterate that freedom of expression and media is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function", stated Commissioner Füle on 3 May.

Operations of preferential trade to become easier between the European Union, the partners of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans

26/04/2011The Council has decided to launch the process of signing the regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin on 15 April. This Convention intends to ease the operation of preferential trade between the European Union, the partners of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans. Commissioner Štefan Füle said on this occasion: "This may seem a very technical matter, but in reality this opens the door to a simplification of the way the EU can trade with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans. It will help to develop growth and economic prosperity for the region and will facilitate regional integration, thus contributing to the overall stability of the whole region."

European Commission to host a conference on freedom of expression and media

15/04/2011European Commission will host a high-level international conference "Speak Up !" on 6 May, in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. On 14 April, three weeks ahead of the conference, Commissioner Štefan Füle met with journalists from the region to discuss the current situation with regard to freedom of expression and media. The meeting offered journalists an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. On this occasion, Mr Füle said "Freedom of expression is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function."

Western Balkans – towards a more integrated Europe

14/04/2011

"The enlargement process is not just about ticking boxes, it is about a transformational agenda which impacts the entire structure of a country. Each of these countries holds its European future in its hands. And the pace of its accession process depends on its progress on key reforms. They have to deliver on their commitments. This calls for strong ownership and strong leadership. This calls for mutual respect and a willingness to work together", stated European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on 14 April at the Joint Parliamentary Meeting in Brussels.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina is a part of the European family and has a European future"

08/04/2011European Commission President José Manuel Barroso met with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on 8 April. Following his meeting, he noted that he "received a clear message: Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to become a member of the European Union. I also replied with a clear message: Bosnia and Herzegovina is a part of the European family and has a European future. A common vision and common desire is crucial to address the reforms that are key for progress towards the EU. The EU is ready to help you through its reinforced presence and policies, and substantial aid. But Bosnia and Herzegovina has to do its own part."

Support for projects worth over €6 billion approved

07/04/2011The first annual report of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) was published on 25 March, detailing the new aid framework's contribution to economic development in the Western Balkans. An initiative of the European Union, it has resulted in international donors and financial institutions approving support for 73 projects worth over €6 billion in 2010. Commissioner Štefan Füle noted on this occasion: "In its first year, the WBIF has shown us an outstanding example of the role played by the European Union and the enlargement process in the region: helping to build roads, schools, water treatment plants. I appreciated cooperation with EIB and EBRD.” The WBIF was introduced as a regional tool for EU Enlargement and it aims to enhance harmonisation and co-operation in investments for the Western Balkans' socio-economic development.

Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start their regional visit to the Western Balkans

07/04/2011European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Štefan Füle started their regional visit to the Western Balkans on 7 April. During the visit they will meet with the leaders of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as civil society representatives, to stress the Commission’s support to the European perspective of the Western Balkans region and to encourage further necessary reforms in the countries concerned to help accelerate their progress on the road towards EU. Following his meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Kosor, President Barroso noted that "Croatia must tackle the last difficult reforms before the accession process can be concluded. Now is the time for Croatia to walk the final mile!"

Commission outlines its Framework for Roma integration

05/04/2011The European Commission outlined its "EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020" on 5 April. Roma in enlargement countries face similar or even more serious problems than in many EU Member States: social exclusion, segregation and marginalisation, lack of education, chronic unemployment and widespread poverty. Lessons learned from past accessions suggest that promoting Roma integration requires an enhanced political commitment to Roma inclusion, the allocation of appropriate resources under the national budgets and a systematic evaluation and reinforced monitoring. Against this background, DG Enlargement, in cooperation with the relevant governments, is organising national Roma conferences in the region with the aim to review national strategies and action plans in terms of policy and programming.

Joint Statement by High representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Füle on Bosnia and Herzegovina

18/03/2011

"[...]Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot afford to lose more time. The political leaders must urgently address EU-related reforms as a matter of priority if the country is to take steps forward on its European integration path. For this to happen, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs representative, broad and solid governments at all levels to tackle the outstanding issues in this regard", stated High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Füle on 15 March.

Launch of the European Union Youth Orchestra's Spring Tour 2011

15/03/2011On 15 March Commissioner Štefan Fϋle hosted a press conference to announce the 2011 Spring tour of the European Union Youth Orchestra. "[...]By including for the first time two pre-accession countries from the Western Balkans, Croatia and Serbia namely, in its tour this year, the orchestra delivers a powerful signal, similar to the work we all do together for a larger, stronger, united Europe. Just like this orchestra, enlargement has been successful in the past and can be a success in the future, making the EU not only bigger, but politically and economically stronger bringing peace, stability and prosperity for the new members", stated Commissioner Füle on the occasion.

EU assistance to the development of democracy and human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina

14/02/2011Ten new projects to support the development of democracy and human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina were presented at the EU Delegation in Sarajevo. The projects are part of a BiH-wide programme funded by the European Union through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The value of the projects is € 1.2 million. So far, the European Union has invested € 7.7 million in 111 projects, which represents a significant contribution to the non-government sector.

European young journalists receive award for articles on EU enlargement

31/08/2009National winners of the European Young Journalist Award 2009 will visit Berlin for the winners' trip and final conference in celebration of their success and at the same time look back at the past 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The European Young Journalist Award is organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Youth Press and Café Babel, and is one the largest pan-European competitions of its kind. The competition was open to young writers aged 17-35 from the EU member states as well as from candidate countries and potential candidates and attracted more than 600 articles.

The EU approved the € 39 million financial crisis response package for Bosnia and Herzegovina

11/08/2009On 11 August the European Commission adopted a programme to help Bosnia and Herzegovina mitigate the impacts of the financial and economic crisis. The grant will support the development of small and medium sized enterprises and provide significant investment in infrastructure in the transport, environment, and energy sectors. The € 39 million has been allocated under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance envelope for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the second programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure continuation of important institution-building efforts in the country being adopted in autumn 2009.

EU approves budget support for Serbia and the financial crisis package for the Western Balkans and T

31/07/2009On 31 July the European Commission has granted €100 million to Serbia as general budget support to help with the stabilisation of the country and ease the economic and social consequences of the financial crisis. The Commission has also approved a substantial package to assist acceding countries to tackle the current economic difficulties. The €85 million grant finance from the European Commission is part of the overall Crisis Response Package for the Western Balkans that should total €150 million in Commission grants and €600 million in loans from partner International Financial Institutions, such as the European Investment Bank and the EBRD

Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn starts his visit of four Western Balkan countries

22/07/2009Today, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn starts his visit of four Western Balkan countries. In the Republic of Serbia, he meets President Boris Tadic, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Deputy Prime Ministers Djelic and Dacic. He will bring the good news on visa free travel, following the proposal of the Commission last week. He will also discuss Serbia's European integration. Mr Rehn will then continue to travel to Podgorica, Montenegro, where he has meetings with Mr Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister, Mr Krivokapic, the Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, and Mr Vujanovic, the President of the Republic of Montenegro. Besides the good news on visa free travel Mr Rehn will also hand over the " questionnaire" to the Montenegrin authorities. The replies to the questionnaire are necessary for the Commission to prepare the opinion on Montenegro's application for EU membership.

The Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of three Western Balkan states

15/07/2009The European Commission proposed on 15 July that citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro be able to travel to Schengen countries without visas from 1 January 2010. Once the proposal is approved, citizens of the three countries will in future only need a valid biometric passport to enter the Schengen countries, which include all EU members except the UK and Ireland, as well as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Granting visa free travel is a cornerstone of the EU's integration policy for the Western Balkans. Facilitating people to people contacts enhances business opportunities and gives the possibility for the people of the region to get to know the EU better.

Adoption of Recommendations on Visa Free Travel for Western Balkans

08/07/2009On 15 July, the European Commission will adopt a series of recommendations within a proposal for granting visa liberalisation to the Western Balkan countries. The submission of the proposal to EU Member States aims at enabling the citizens to travel without visas to the countries of the Schengen Area and confirms the European Commission's long-standing commitment to visa-free travel. Citizens of those countries benefiting of the visa-free regime will no longer have to go through the often time-consuming procedures that a visa application entails. Easier travelling to the EU can greatly contribute to the process of Balkan countries integration in the European Union.

400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade the end of the Danube by bike

29/06/2009Danube by Bike Tour closing event in Belgrade: 400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade on the banks of the Danube. The event marked the end and highlight of a 5-day trip along the Danube for participants from 25 European countries. The tour was organised and sponsored by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Cyclist Federation and was open to anyone who likes cycling, cares about the environment and wants to make new friends throughout Europe. Visit the photo gallery of the tour http://www.danubebybike.eu/

“Discover Europe in Motion”: Start of the Danube by Bike Tour 2009

23/06/2009Around 400 cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe (the EU member states, the Western Balkans and Turkey) are coming together today in Budapest and Bucharest to start the first European bike tour along the river Danube, a cycling event that will last from 23 to 27 June 2009. Organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Cyclists’ Federation, this event will give participants an opportunity to cycle through five Danube countries, experiencing the beauty of one of the most important rivers in Europe.

The EU finances activities for destruction of unstable ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

10/02/2009The destruction of unstable ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina has begun with an official ceremony held in the town of Vitez on 4 February. This action forms part of the EU funded Small Arms Control Project implemented by UNDP and supported by the Government of Sweden. The project aims at reducing risks of uncontrolled presence of small arms and light weapons, which represent a threat to security of the people in the country. The EU supports the project with a total of 2.72 million €. The Government of Sweden finances the work with 160.000 € and the UNDP puts forward close to 325.000 €.

EU Enlargement updated strategy and progress reports available on line

05/11/2008The Commission's annual strategy document explaining its policy on EU enlargement has been adopted and become available on line. The document includes a summary of the progress made over the last twelve months by each candidate and potential candidate: Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (under UN Security Council Resolution 1244). In addition, the 2008 progress reports were published, where the Commission services monitor and assess the achievements of each of the candidate and potential candidates over the last year. Further information is available at the special page dedicated to the 2008 Enlargement "package".

European Commission – Bosnia and Herzegovina interim committee met in Sarajevo

08/10/2008The first meeting of the European Commission - Bosnia and Herzegovina interim committee was held on 7 October 2008 in Sarajevo. The committee was established under the interim agreement which entered into force on 1 July 2008 and which allows for comprehensive trade liberalisation between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an important step forward in the Stabilisation and Association Process of the country.

European Commission adopts multi-annual planning of financial assistance

23/09/2008The strategic directions of EU financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document - MIPD for the years 2008-2010) were adopted by the European Commission with the aim to help the country on its path towards the EU, enhance political reform and building up of democratic institutions, economic reform, and approximation to European Standards in sectors related to the introduction and implementation of EU legislation.