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

Croatia: Discussing preparations and remaining task on the road to EU entry

"Today I have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia Neven Mimica and we had a very constructive meeting on his country's final preparations for the EU entry. We expressed our common commitment to a successful and well-prepared accession on 1 July 2013. I am encouraged by the fact that overall Croatia has continued to make progress in its preparations for membership since the closure of accession negotiations in June 2011. Our discussions focussed on the upcoming regular monitoring by the Commission. We discussed in particular issues identified in the chapters on competition policy, judiciary and fundamental rights as well as justice, freedom and security", stated Commissioner Füle after his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia Neven Mimica on 17 April.

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.

President Barroso meets with the new Croatian Prime Minister

30/01/2012President Barroso met the new Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr Zoran Milanović on 30 January ahead of the informal European Council. President Barroso congratulated him on his recent appointment and the successful result of the recent Croatian accession referendum. He stressed that with this solid mandate, the new Government should now continue on the reform path towards full EU membership in July 2013 and ensure that all the commitments taken in the accession negotiations are fully respected, notably in the fields of the judiciary, human rights and competition. The Commission would continue to monitor this process.

Statement by President Barroso and President van Rompuy on the outcome of the EU accession referendum in Croatia

23/01/2012"We welcome the positive outcome of the referendum on Croatia's accession to the European Union. With this vote, Croatia's citizens have given their endorsement to European integration. We congratulate Croatia and its people on their choice: EU membership will open up new opportunities for them and help secure the stability and prosperity of their nation.With this popular mandate, the Croatian government can now complete the remaining preparations for membership. We are looking forward to a smooth ratification process by the Croatian Parliament as well as by the Parliaments of all EU Member States, so that Croatia can become the Union's 28th member on 1 July 2013. The upcoming accession of Croatia sends a clear signal to the whole region of South Eastern Europe. It shows that through political courage and determined reforms, EU membership is within reach. Today's positive vote is therefore good news for Croatia, good news for the region, and good news for Europe."

Launch of the arbitration process between Slovenia and Croatia

17/01/2012The European Commission welcomes the successful launch of the arbitration process between Slovenia and Croatia. We are delighted that the governments of both countries have agreed on the appointment of the President of the Arbitral Tribunal and two Members recognised for their competence in international law based on a list established by the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle. "This common agreement is a very welcome signal for the positive development of the good neighbourly relations between the two countries as well as for the Western Balkans regions showing that even difficult issues can be best solved by means of dialogue and cooperation" congratulated Commissioner Füle the two Parties. Following this agreement, the Pre

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.

The European Union signs Accession Treaty with Croatia

09/12/2011The Treaty of Accession of Croatia to the European Union was signed today at the European Council in Brussels. The signature marks the successful end to six-years of negotiations and represents one of the final milestones in the country's road to EU Membership. President Jose Manuel Barroso noted at this historic occasion: "Today's signature of the Accession Treaty is an outstanding moment for the European Union and for Croatia" and added that "Croatia is the best proof of how strong and successful the transformative power of the enlargement policy can be". Croatia applied for EU membership in 2003, became a candidate country in 2004, and started accession negotiations in October 2005. The negotiations were successfully 30 June this year. Croatia is foreseen to hold a referendum in early 2012, subject to the ratification, o

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

European Parliament approves Croatia's accession as the 28th member of the EU

01/12/2011The European Parliament gave on 1 December its consent for Croatia's Treaty of Accession to the European Union at its plenary session in Brussels. Commissioner Fule addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament on 30 November and noted that a positive vote would be a vote for "for Croatia, for the region and for the EU", and further added that enlargement is in the EU's strategic interest, for its security and prosperity. He furthermore encouraged Croatia to continue its preparation for membership. The Croatia-EU Treaty of Accession will be signed by Croatia and all Member States on 9 December, before the start of the European Council. Croatia will then participate in the European Council as an active observer. The Accession Treaty must be ratified by all 27 member states and Croatia is foreseen to hold a referen

Croatia to Receive Accession Treaty Text

16/09/2011Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will officially hand over the EU Accession Treaty text to Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor in Zagreb on 17 September. The English text of the document received the final endorsement of the EU Member States earlier this week after almost two years of editing work. The signature of the Treaty is foreseen for December 2011. Croatia is scheduled to become an EU member on 1 July 2013 after the treaty is ratified by all the Member States and Croatia.

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 -->

EU closes accession negotiations with Croatia

30/06/2011EU Member States decided on 30 June to close accession negotiations with Croatia, which should allow for the signature of the Accession Treaty by the end of the year. Following the ratification procedure in all Member States and Croatia, accession is foreseen for 1 July 2013. This decision marks a successful end to six-years of negotiations during which Croatia has been asked not only to adopt new laws and regulations to comply with EU standards, but also to implement them, thus proving the reforms have taken an irreversible course of action. It was agreed by Member States that the Commission will closely monitor up to the date of accession Croatia's fulfilment of the commitments undertaken in the negotiations and its continued preparations to assume the responsibilities of EU membership upon accession.

Croatia to conclude accession negotiations by the end of June 2011

24/06/2011The European Council on 24 June invited the Council to take all necessary decisions for the conclusion of the accession negotiations with Croatia by the end of June 2011, with a view to the signing of the Accession Treaty before the end of the year. Croatia should continue its reform efforts with the same vigour, in particular as regards the judiciary and fundamental rights, so as to be able to assume fully the obligations of membership from the date of accession. Monitoring up to accession of these reform efforts will give the necessary assurance to Croatia and current Member States.

Commission proposes to close the last four chapters in the accession negotiations with Croatia

10/06/2011

"Today is a historic day for Croatia and for the European Union. The European Commission has just proposed to the EU Council of Ministers to close the last four chapters in the accession negotiations with Croatia. This paves the way for Croatia to join the EU as the 28th Member State as of 1 July 2013, if this indicative date proposed by the Commission were to be retained by the Council. At this significant moment, I would like to applaud the Croatian authorities, in particular the current government, for their hard work over the last years. Even more importantly, I would like to congratulate the people of Croatia", stated President Barroso on 10 June on the Commission's proposal to close the last "Chapters" in the accession talks with Croatia.

New chapter provisionally closed in accession negotiations with Croatia

06/06/2011At the meeting of the Accession Conference with Croatia on 6 June in Brussels, chapter 'Fisheries' was provisionally closed. The Common Fisheries Policy is an important policy of the European Union, dealing with resource and fleet management, inspection and control, market policy and state aid control. After accession, Croatian fishermen will have access to the European Fisheries Funds (EFF) to support their income. This brings the total of closed chapters to 31 out of 35. Four chapters remain to be closed: 'Competition', 'Judiciary and Fundamendal Rights', 'Financial and Budgetary Provisions' and 'Other issues'.

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."

Two new chapters closed in accession negotiations with Croatia

19/04/2011Croatia has succeeded in provisionally closing a further two chapters in the country's negotiations with the EU. At the meeting of the Accession Conference on 19 April, the European Union and Croatia have moved on to a provisional agreement on Chapters 'Agriculture and rural development' and 'Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments'. Since the start of the negotiations in 2005, thirty-five chapters have been opened, of which 30 have been provisionally closed.

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.

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.

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.

Commission adopts an interim report on the progress by Croatia

02/03/2011The Commission adopted an interim report on the progress made by Croatia in the area of judiciary and fundamental rights (Chapter 23) on 2 March. The report concludes that Croatia has made considerable progress in the field, however, further work, which is explicitly highlighted in the report, remains to be done in particular to establish convincing track-records in the field of the judiciary and the fight against corruption, to address impunity for war crimes and to settle the outstanding refugee return issues. Commissioner Füle stated on this occasion: "The Commission continues to support Croatia on the last stretch of its path towards EU membership and is ready to propose the closing of negotiations as soon as Croatia has met all remaining requirements identified in today's report."

EU support to Croatian Customs administration

28/02/2011The twinning light project "Strengthening anticorruption activities of the Customs Administration" was presented on 25 February at the EU Information Centre in Zagreb. The overall objective of this project, worth € 230.000, is ensuring an efficient implementation of anti-corruption legislation and policies in the process of preparation for Croatian EU accession. The project will support the Customs Administration in its effort to fully implement its Anti Corruption Programme by adjusting the system of preventing corruption to the EU standards and by implementing the most effective EU methods and solutions for suppression of corruption.

Commissioner Füle meets Croatian Prime Minister

15/02/2011On 15 February Commissioner Štefan Füle met with Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor to discuss the importance of maintaining  the momentum of the accession negotiations and of tackling the remaining issues in the country's negotiations with the EU. "[...]I emphasised on my side that Croatia needs to focus in particular on fulfilling all the closing benchmarks of chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental rights. I thanked the Prime Minister for the information that Croatia has provided on the progress achieved so far on each of the benchmarks. We will carefully take into account this information, in view of our upcoming interim report on this chapter due by the middle of March", noted Commissioner Füle on the occassion.

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.

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

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.

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".

Accession negotiations: EU and Croatia provisionally close chapter on external relations

30/10/2008The accession negotiations between the European Union and Croatia have moved on to a provisional agreement on external relations issues. That negotiations chapter covers significant European policies such as EU trade policy (common commercial policy), bilateral agreements with third countries, development policy and humanitarian aid. Since the start of the negotiations, twenty one chapters have been opened, of which four have been provisionally closed.

Croatia and the European Commission "Together for health"

30/09/2008The European Commission and Croatia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that enables Croatia to benefit from the second programme of Community action in the field of health 2008-2013. The health programme has a total budget of 321.5 million euros and is intended to finance projects and other actions which contribute to increased solidarity and prosperity in the European Union. The 3 main objectives of the Health Programme are: improving citizen's health security; promoting health and reducing health inequalities; and generating and disseminating health information and knowledge.

EU funded reconstruction of Croatian railways started

25/09/2008Better, more efficient and secure railway transportation of both people and goods in Croatia and between Croatia and the EU will be the result of the reconstruction works which have started on the railway Vinkovci – Tovarnik – border. The project worth over 60 million Euros is co-financed from the pre-accession fund. Reconstruction includes works on railway stations, halts and tracks, reconstruction of level crossings and a new traffic signalization and traffic management system.