2015年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Enlargement_Agenda_4页_417kb

EU Enlargement Agenda: Special Focus on Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo

Core Content

The document discusses the importance of April 2013 in the European Union's enlargement agenda, particularly concerning the Balkan countries of Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. It highlights the upcoming reports from the European Commission and the High Representative Catherine Ashton, which will be crucial in determining the next steps in the EU accession process for these countries.

Main Points

1. Reports on Serbia and Kosovo

• The European Council is expected to evaluate three reports in June, two on Serbia and Macedonia, and one on Kosovo.
• The Kosovo report will assess whether the country is ready to sign a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), the first step towards EU integration.
• The Serbia report will evaluate the country's reforms and progress in meeting the EU's accession criteria, including judicial reform, anti-corruption, and minority protection.
• The reports are joint efforts between the Commission and the High Representative, emphasizing the need for political dialogue and institutional reforms.

2. Kosovo and Serbia Dialogue

• The dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is central to the EU's assessment of Kosovo's readiness for an SAA.
• The December Council conclusions called for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
• The Commission will focus on short-term priorities such as the rule of law, public administration, and minority protection.
• Member states will prioritize the fight against organized crime and corruption in their evaluation.

3. Serbia's Progress

• Serbia has made determined reforms in judicial, anti-corruption, and minority protection areas.
• The country has a strong public administration, which is considered a valuable asset for EU accession.
• Serbia's improving relations with neighbors, such as Croatia, and its active participation in regional cooperation are seen as positive developments.
• The High Representative's personal engagement in the dialogue with Kosovo is a welcome step.

4. Macedonia's Political Crisis

• Macedonia faces a dramatic political situation, including forced ejection of opposition MPs and journalists in December 2012.
• The government's lack of political dialogue and refusal to engage in compromise have led to erosion of democratic values and deepening ethnic tensions.
• The OSCE report highlights intimidation and misuse of state resources during the recent local elections.
• The media freedom index shows a significant decline in Macedonia's ranking, from 34th in 2009 to 116th in 2013.

5. EU's Strategy and Recommendations

• The EU needs to show that its enlargement strategy is effective, as it is in the case of Kosovo and Serbia.
• For Macedonia, the EU should use direct leverage and conditionality to encourage reform.
• Opening accession negotiations for Macedonia could signal the government's nationalist agenda as incompatible with EU goals.
• The 10th anniversary of the 2003 Thessaloniki summit provides a symbolic opportunity to initiate negotiations.

Key Information

• Kosovo's SAA is the first step towards EU integration.
• Serbia's reforms are progressing, with the government showing determination.
• Macedonia's political instability is a major obstacle to EU accession.
• The local elections in March 2013 were calm in the first round, but concerns remain about the fairness of the second round.
• EU conditionality is seen as a tool to restore public confidence and ensure compliance with accession criteria.

Conclusion

The document underscores that while Serbia is making positive strides in reform and regional cooperation, Macedonia is at a critical juncture due to its internal political instability and lack of meaningful dialogue. The EU must remain vigilant, use its leverage effectively, and consider initiating accession negotiations for Macedonia to promote stability and align with its democratic values. The success of the enlargement process in the Balkans will depend on the EU's ability to adapt its strategy and maintain a consistent and rigorous approach.