European regions and cities welcome the European Commission’s new approach to enlargement strategy by providing a wider four-year mandate context (2015-19) to its annual reports. Debating Anna Magyar’s working document on the EU Enlargement Strategy 2015-2016, the European Committee of the Regions Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX) members agreed that using this approach they provide a clearer, more reliable perspective for the enlargement countries.
The rapporteur in her address demonstrated appreciation for some of the new elements of the methodology: “We welcome more focus on the issues concerning the rule of law and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, and protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, with a reference on national ethnic and religious minorities, besides the significant issue of Roma people”.
CIVEX Members during the meeting welcomed references in the strategy to the appropriate balance between central, regional and local government and to the key role of regional and local authorities. “At the same time however, it should be stressed, that the Commission should better reflect, in the future, their fundamental role in applying EU law, contributing to dialogue with citizens and civil society, including communication regarding enlargement, fostering economic development and strengthening democratic institutions” – underlined Anna Magyar, Vice-President of County Council of Csongrád Megye.
Ms Magyar’s working paper further highlights the current international challenges, particularly migration, that heavily affect the Western-Balkans and Turkey but also shows the significance of partnership, cooperation and the need for a transformative EU-process to facilitate reforms. CoR Members also take note of the Commission’s renewed assessment that no new Member State will join the EU under its mandate, until 2019. At the same time however, the document underlines the need to reaffirm the European perspective of these countries, providing a credible, realistic prospect of EU membership, based on fair conditionality and individual evaluation.
“Results show that the European perspective still provides a strong incentive for reforms and progress in the enlargement countries. The continued commitment of both the enlargement countries and the EU is essential in this regard” – underlined the rapporteur.
The CoR opinion due for adoption early next year will provide also specific recommendations for the EU candidate and potential candidate countries.
