Positive EU-Turkey agenda launched in Ankara

22/05/2012The new positive agenda, intended to bring fresh dynamics into the EU-Turkey relations was launched on 17 May by Commissioner Štefan Füle and the Turkish Minister for European Affairs and Chief EU negotiatior Egemen Bağış. "The positive agenda is a bridge, but not above or around the accession negotiations. It is a brigde leading towards them", stated Commissioner Füle on this occasion. "It is not just an isolated element in the relationship between Turkey and the EU. It is an opportunity to establish the framework to integrate a number of key aspects of our relationship and to aproach them in positive spirit based on dialogue and openness." The aim of the positive agenda, endorsed by the EU Member States and by Turkey, is to keep the accession process going and put it back on track after a period of stagnation.

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

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

President Barroso and President Van Rompuy express their condolences following the earthquake in Southeast Turkey

24/10/2011"We are greatly saddened by the news of the terrible earthquake that has struck the Van province in Southeast Turkey. Our thoughts are with the injured and the families of the victims and we should like to convey our condolences to the people and authorities of Turkey."

Statement by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton on the terrorist attacks in Turkey

15/07/2011"I am deeply shocked by reports of the deaths of 13 Turkish soldiers in clashes with the PKK and strongly condemn these acts. There is no justification for such terrorist attacks. I express my deep sympathy and solidarity to the families of the victims and to the government and the people of Turkey. I have conveyed my condolences in person to Foreign Minister Davutoglu today. The EU supports Turkey in its fight against terrorism and will continue to work closely with Turkey bilaterally and multilaterally to combat terrorism in all its manifestations and forms."

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 -->

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.

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 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-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee meets in Antakya

24/02/2011The EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee met on 21-22 February in Antakya, Turkey. Various aspects of reforms undertaken by Turkey in preparation for potential EU membership were debated, including political criteria and basic and judicial rights. Time was also devoted to discussions on intercultural dialogue, migration and visa issues, pre-accession assistance mechanism and the question of free trade agreements and customs duties.

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

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.

EU and Turkey opened one new chapter in the accession negotiations

01/07/2009The accession negotiations between the European Union and Turkey have moved on to include the area of taxation. The new "chapter" of the negotiations was opened during the seventh meeting of the accession conference between Turkey and the EU held on 30 June in Brussels.

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 process of negotiations is steadily moving forward"

20/01/2009Commission President Barroso met with the turkish PM Erdogan and his delegation yesterday. During their talks, President Barroso assured the Prime Minister of the Commission's full commitment to the preparations for Turkey's accession and welcomed the recent progress made in the accession negotiation with the opening of two more chapters in December: "This proves that the process of negotiations is steadily moving forward. The main engines of the accession process remain political and technical reforms. I encourage Turkey to revitalise the reforms to increase fundamental freedoms and to modernise the country."

Beytahtı Drinking Water Project in Turkey

15/01/2009The aim of the EU-funded Beytahtı drinking water project, which takes its name from the water network that supplies water to most parts of the Erzincan Municipality, is to provide healthy water with minimal administrative costs to the people living in the area. The project led to the construction of a new drinking water network line, which will be resistant to potential earthquakes taking place in the region and be sufficient for the population until 2037. The network is expected to produce healthy drinking water for a total of 250,000 inhabitants.

New online presentation of EU relations with the Western Balkans and Turkey

11/11/2008A new set of informative, easy-to-use pages presenting how the EU Enlargement policy has helped reforms in the Western Balkans and Turkey has become available on this website. Divided in two sections, one about candidates for accession to the EU and the other about potential candidates, the new set of pages offer the reader a comprehensive overview of the EU role and investment in the area, illustrated by selected projects and images. The new online presentation is one of the results of the ongoing effort to make the EU Enlargement website more informative and accessible to the user.

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".

New page on Enlargement strategy and progress reports 2008, available on-line

28/10/2008A new page on the European Commission's "Enlargement package 2008" has become available on line. The page already features a brochure illustrating the EU's Enlargement policy, selected projects from candidate and potential candidate countries, and background documents. It has been launched as part of the preparation for the new "Enlargement package" which will be published by the Commission on 5 November 2008. On that date the Enlargement strategy and progress reports 2008 as well as further explanatory material will become available.

Donor coordination conference for Western Balkans and Turkey

23/10/2008A donor coordination conference for the Western Balkans and Turkey is held at the Sheraton Hotel in Brussels on 23 and 24 October 2008. The conference organised by the Enlargement directorate general of the European Commission is attended by more than 170 representatives from EU member states, international financial institutions, non-EU donors, UN organisations, the Council of Europe, and the Court of Auditors as well as representatives from countries from the Western Balkans and Turkey and of the European Commission delegations in the region.

New projects on Civil Society dialogue between EU and Turkey launched

09/09/2008The Turkish government and the delegation of the European Commission to Turkey have launched a new generation of projects aiming to enhance the dialogue between civil society in Turkey and in the EU. 119 projects have been launched on September 9 at the opening event of the 19.3 million euro-worth grant programme “Promotion of the Civil Society Dialogue between the EU and Turkey”, hosted by Turkish foreign minister and chief negotiator with the EU, Ali Babacan.

EU and Turkey working together for maritime safety

01/09/2008Turkey and the European Union successfully concluded "The Improvement of Maritime Safety in Ports and Coastal Areas Project". "The maritime industry in Turkey is growing with speed," said the deputy head of the delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, Tibor Varadi, who delivered a speech at the closing ceremony of the project. The closure ceremony was attended by undersecretary of Maritime Affairs, Hasan Naipoglu, and Reinhard Klingen of the German federal ministry of Transport, as well as Turkish and European experts.