Annual Report: No Perspective of Membership for EU Candidates in the Near Future

• 11.11.2015, 11:16
•  Europe,  World

The European Commission adopted an annual report with the estimates of the Western Balkans and Turkey preparations to meet the requirements of membership to the EU and made recommendations to address the remaining challenges.

''The current refugee crisis in Europe showed how important is the close cooperation between the European Union and the countries of South-Eastern Europe. The process of EU enlargement, which covers the Western Balkans and Turkey, is a powerful tool for strengthening the rule of law and human rights in these countries'' - said the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Johannes Hahn, introducing the report of the European Commission.

According to the Commissioner, a clear European perspective gradually transforms the partner countries, strengthens the stability around the EU, as well as promotes the state regional cooperation.

''Our strong commitment to EU enlargement and the conditions which it includes, is a long-term investment in the security and prosperity of Europe'' - added Johannes Hahn.

Let’s recall that the European Union has given the status of candidate to the six countries: Turkey, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Iceland. In March, the authorities of the latter announced the withdrawal of the application for EU membership.

As for Turkey, the European Commission's annual report on the country's progress towards EU membership noted the negative trend in relation to compliance with the country's rule of law, fundamental rights, freedom of speech and assembly, and the imperfection of the judicial system.

As noted, Turkey has been a significant deterioration in the security situation. The EC also called on Turkey to reopen the settlement of the Kurdish issue.

The report also states that Turkey and the countries of the Western Balkans are seriously affected by the crisis caused by the massive influx of migrants and refugees from Syria and Iraq.

Finally it is important to note that the report also states that the European Commission reaffirmed the principled position that the European Union will not expand during the activities of the President Jean-Claude Juncker.

"Against the background of important progress in many countries in many areas over the previous years, there are still a lot of problems which show that none of the countries will be able to join the EU within the mandate of the European Commissioner, which expires at the end of 2019," – the report concluded.