In regard to the European Commission’s 2018 Enlargement Report issued today, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expresses strong support for the continuation of enlargement process to all Southeast European countries, as that is in the strategic interest of the EU. The EU enlargement policy is an investment in security, peace, prosperity and therefore stability in Europe.
At the same time, credible membership prospects are crucial for the development of democratic and prosperous societies in Southeast Europe. Croatia believes that the further implementation of EU enlargement policy is especially important for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to which EU membership offers a better future which can only be achieved by honouring the basic Dayton principle of the equality of the three constituent nations.
The ministry welcomes the European Commission’s recommendation to open accession talks with Albania and Macedonia, which proves that reforms do pay off.
Croatia strongly supports enlargement policy based on individual merit, strict and fair conditionality, and focusing on key areas. For progress in the enlargement process the most important are results in the rule of law and judicial reform, fighting against corruption and organised crime, security, fundamental rights, democratic institutions, public administration reform, economic development and competitiveness.
The strengthening of regional cooperation and developing good-neighbourly relations also remain vital components of the enlargement process. It is important that the Enlargement Report warns of the need to invest greater efforts in the most sensitive areas, including prosecuting war crimes and shedding light on the fate of missing persons, as well as the need to create a constructive atmosphere for overcoming the legacy of the past and for reconciliation. As emphasized in the European Commission’s Enlargement Strategy of February 2018, outstanding bilateral issues need to be resolved before EU entry.
The report represents an encouragement and a signpost to membership candidates and potential candidates. We welcome the progress made by these countries in the previous period, and invite and encourage them to carry on with the reforms as they are in the best interests of their citizens.