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.

Commission launches dialogue on visa free travel with Kosovo*

20/01/2012The European Commission launched a visa liberalisation dialogue with Kosovo on 19 January. The aim of this dialogue is to eventually lift the visa obligation for citizens of Kosovo. This will only be possible, however, once the Government of Kosovo has implemented substantial reforms in key areas such as the security of travel documents; border, migration and asylum management; public order and security issues, notably the fight against organised crime and corruption, and fundamental rights issues related to the freedom of movement. "Our commitment to visa liberalisation for the citizens of Kosovo is real, and I am very pleased that we can now start making concrete progress towards this goal," said Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs. In previous years, the EU launched visa liberalisation dialogues with five Western Balkans countries in order to allow their citizens to travel to the EU without a visa.

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.

High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton welcomes Prime Minister Hashim Thaci

04/07/2011 [...]"The agreements reached this Saturday are European solutions to some very difficult but very important issues. I want to congratulate Prime Minister Thaci and Mrs Tahiri, the negotiator from the Kosovo side, as well as their counterparts from Serbia, for their leadership, their courage and their hard work. Let me stress that these agreements – on the freedom of movement, civil registry and acceptance of university and school diplomas - are good for both sides. They do not require either to give away anything, rather both sides gain a lot", stated High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton on 4 July following her meeting with Mr. Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/1999.

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 -->

High representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton visits Belgrade and Pristina

30/05/2011High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission Catherine Ashton visited Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 on 26 and 27 May. During her visit she reaffirmed the commitment of the European Union to the European perspective of both Serbia and Kosovo as well as the support for the ongoing Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, facilitated by the EU. In Serbia Ms Ashton held meetings with President Tadic and the Serb representative in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Borko Stefanovic. In Kosovo she met Prime Minister Thaci and the Kosovo representative in the dialogue Edita Tahiri, as well as First Deputy Prime Minister Pacolli, Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj and the Minister for European Affairs Vlora Citaku.

President Barroso visit Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/1999

25/05/2011

Commission President Barroso visited Kosovo on 20 May. He met with President Jahjaga, Prime Minister Thaçi and other members of the govenment. President Barroso confirmed the Commission's strong commitment to Kosovo's European perspective and reiterated that the Commission stood ready to continue to help Kosovo on its path to Europe. President Barroso called on Kosovo to continue its reforms, work to strengthen the rule of law, foster its socio-economic development and develop good neighbourly relations. He emphasised the need for Kosovo to work closely with EULEX, implement sound and sustainable macro-economic policies, pursue fiscal prudence, and be constructive, pragmatic and creative in its dialogue with Serbia. President Barroso was accompanied by Enlargement Commissioner Füle, Deputy DG ELARG Stefano Sannino, EEAS Managing Director Miroslav Lajcak and other senior officials.

Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start the second leg of the regional visit

19/05/2011Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start the second leg of their regional visit to the Western Balkans on 19 May. During the visit they will meet with the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, as well as civil society representatives to stress the Commission’s support to their European perspective and to encourage further necessary reforms. President Barroso has decided to postpone his visit to Albania until the political situation has normalised. "The countries of South Eastern Europe belong in the European Union. Enlargement remains a powerful tool for deepening democracy, the rule of law, security and prosperity in Europe", said President Barroso prior to the visit. "But it is the leaders and people of the region who hold the key to the pace and the timing of their own European future. I will therefore encourage our partners to speed up their reforms and tackle the outstanding challenges and conditions with renewed vigour."

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.

Education and housing for vulnerable communities is an EU priority

11/05/2011A Learning Centre in Roma Mahalla, an EU funded project supporting the implementation of Roma, Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptians strategy, was inaugurated on 11 May. The learning centre provides pre-school activities, homework assistance for pupils, literacy support and youth activities. "This was achieved as part of our joint project, implemented by Mercy Corps, with the Government of Kosovo, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica mayor and USAID. We will continue to support this neighborhood with infrastructure investment", stated Mr Pierre Mirel, Director in Directorate-General Enlargement on this occassion.

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.

EU Information Point Opens in North Mitrovica

07/04/2011The EU Information Point in North Mitrovica was officially opened on 6 April by the EC Liaison Office to bring the EU integration process closer to the public. The new Information Point will provide material on the European Union and integration, internet access, reading corners, all free of charge. To improve understanding and enrich debate on the integration process, it will also host informative and cultural events with civil society actors and other partners. The EU Information Point in North Mitrovica follows the opening of the first EU Information and Cultural Centre in Pristina in October 2010.

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 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.

EU continues to support democracy and human rights through civil society organisations

24/01/2011The European Commission Liaison Office in Pristina announced on 19 January seven new civil society grants funded under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The new projects will promote human rights and democracy through protection of women's rights, promotion of culture (film and theatre), provision of free legal aid targeting mainly minority and marginalised communities, prevention of trafficking in human beings and promotion of freedom of expression.

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

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 supports higher standards of journalism in Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99)

26/01/2009The EU-funded project supporting the Kosovo Media Institute (KMI) launched a nine-week diploma course designed to help beginner journalists enhance their skills in topics such as radio and television, photography and camera, journalistic writing, as well as in subjects such as economy and media legislation. After the training, the journalists will have the possibility to do internships in Kosovo media. The EU project supporting the Kosovo Media Institute since May 2007, aims at raising the editorial standards of Kosovo media. The second phase of the project will start in July 2009.

The European Commission invests an additional € 60 million in Kosovo

14/01/2009The European Commission has adopted the second part of the IPA 2008 annual programme for Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99), which reflects the key priorities of the European Partnership and primarily aims at addressing important infrastructure needs in Kosovo. The 2008 programme for Kosovo is the first deliverable of the €508 million pledge made by the European Commission at the Donors' Conference for Kosovo in July 2008.

EU supports civil society to foster democracy and human rights in Kosovo

10/12/2008The European Commission liaison office in Kosovo has announced the nine recipients of the grant for Kosovo under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The grant will help foster institutional accountability through media activities, protection of minority rights and empowerment of disadvantaged groups of society (notably persons with disabilities), promoting respect for human rights in detention centres and the prevention of trafficking of human beings. The European Commission contributed around €804,000 for 2007 under the EIDHR Instrument. A similar amount has been made available to Kosovo civil society organisations for 2008.

European Union grants € 1.5 m for higher education in Kosovo

19/11/2008European Commission Liaison Office and University of Pristina officials have announced the 2008 winning projects in the competition of the Tempus IV programme in Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99). The University of Pristina has won a total of six projects with € 1.5 m financial support. Tempus IV, the Trans-European mobility scheme for university studies, is one of the European Commission’s main programmes focusing on the cooperation of higher education institutions.

EU supports the return and reintegration of refugees in Kosovo

12/11/2008A project, co-funded by the European Commission, to support the sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons has been launched in Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99). The European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo contributed €3.3 million and €1.1 million came from the Ministry for Communities and Return. The project will be providing a comprehensive return package for some 180 displaced families and will include assistance on return, housing reconstruction, necessary infrastructure connections, income generation and inter-ethnic dialogue activities.

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".

The European Commission invests € 122.7 million in Kosovo, in 2008

10/10/2008The European Commission and Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99) have signed an agreement for an EU investment of € 122.7 million in the socio-economic development of Kosovo through the Commission's instrument for pre-accession (IPA) 2008 annual programme. During the signing ceremony, in Pristina, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn noted that the € 122.7 million dedicated to projects improving the daily lives of people in Kosovo is a strong sign of the European Commission's commitment to a European future for Kosovo.

European Union supports Prizren's religious heritage

16/09/2008On 15 September, the head of the European Commission Liaison Office, Renzo Daviddi, handed over the keys to two Serbian Orthodox buildings in Prizren to the Serbian Orthodox Church. The European Commission financed with some € 1.5m the restoration and refurbishment of the Episcopal Residence and the Serbian Orthodox Seminary, badly damaged in March 2004. The completion of the works should encourage more returns and the establishment of the normal religious life in Prizren. The European Commission remains fully committed to support religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99.

New school funded by the EU opens in Kosovo

11/09/2008A new primary school constructed with European Union funds has been inaugurated in Podujevo, Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99). The new building will offer its 600 pupils warmer, brighter and attractive classrooms and other facilities of European standards such as multipurpose rooms, a laboratory, a library and a teacher's room. Since 1999, the European Commission has supported the construction of 10 schools in various Kosovo municipalities, which provide teaching facilities for around 2,000 students.