05.03.08: Brussels sees 2008 as decisive for the Balkans
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European Union
3 members,716 bookmarks
European Union in the widest sense, including EU Institutions, Politics and Policy, the future of the EU (constitutional debate, enlargement) etc. Moreover ways to effectively teach the EU.
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Saved by 1 people (0 private), first by anonymouse user on 2008-03-12
- Wolfgangschumann on 2008-03-12 - Tags albania , bosnia , enlargement , enlargementpolicy_candidates , enlargementpolicy_eu , macedonia , serbia , westernbalkans
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Brussels has said that this year could be "decisive" for the western Balkan countries and their EU path, if they implement certain reforms.
If Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfils its political conditions, including the adoption of a state-level political reform, it "should be able to sign" a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) – a first step towards EU membership – in April, EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn reaffirmed when presenting a paper on the western Balkans published by the European Commission on Wednesday (5 March).
The former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia could get a date for opening EU accession negotiations if it meets "key priorities", including putting in place reforms of the judiciary and the public administration, and implementing a police and anti-corruption law.
If Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfils its political conditions, including the adoption of a state-level political reform, it "should be able to sign" a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) – a first step towards EU membership – in April, EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn reaffirmed when presenting a paper on the western Balkans published by the European Commission on Wednesday (5 March).
The former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia could get a date for opening EU accession negotiations if it meets "key priorities", including putting in place reforms of the judiciary and the public administration, and implementing a police and anti-corruption law.
Highlighted by wolfgangschumann
This year could also be "decisive" for Croatia if it makes "substantial progress" with its judicial and administrative reforms, with the fight against corruption and the restructuring of its ship-building industry.
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For their part, potential candidates Albania and Montenegro need to build a "convincing track record over the implementation of the SAAs and pursue reforms with determination," while Kosovo must ensure its commitment to a "democratic and multi-ethnic society".
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The enlargement commissioner also underlined Serbia's "central" role for maintaining stability in the region, and called on Belgrade to "reaffirm its commitment to closer ties with the EU", following recent statements by some Serbian politicians.
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On Wednesday, commissioner Rehn also presented a series of proposals designed to further contact between citizens of the Balkans and the EU.
These include doubling the number of scholarships for students from the Balkans, opening up EU programmes in science and research, education and culture to countries of the region, and aiming for visa-free travel for every country.
These include doubling the number of scholarships for students from the Balkans, opening up EU programmes in science and research, education and culture to countries of the region, and aiming for visa-free travel for every country.
Highlighted by wolfgangschumann
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