9 hours agoEU: Integration of Ukraine and the Western geopolitical Balkans, but “enlargement is procedure with a series of steps”
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)The European Commission today has said enlargement remains a priority for the bloc, adding that it is a geopolitical investment for peace, security and stability for the entire continent of Europe. These comments were made by EU Enlargement spokesman Guillaume Mercier, when asked whether the Commission would be able to accelerate membership [...]
The European Commission today has said enlargement remains a priority for the bloc, adding that it is a geopolitical investment for peace, security and stability for the entire continent of Europe.
These comments were made by EU Enlargement spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, when asked whether the Commission would be able to accelerate the membership of Ukraine or Balkan countries after the established situation of US-EU reports about Ukraine and whether the EU has a new strategy for enlargement.
He said the invasion of Ukraine by Russia once again underlined the geopolitical importance of enlargement, and added that this is a goal the EC president has stressed.
And it helps complete our Union. This is an opportunity, a window at the moment for these countries to join the EU. It is important to note that in this framework, enlargement is a procedure with a series of steps, and these measures must be implemented by the various countries that want to join the EU”.
He cited instruments that the EU has to make this reality, and for the Western Balkans, he said it is the Development Plan.
Mercier was also asked by a journalist about attitudes against expanding citizens within the EU.
When we talk about ordinary people, there are many who oppose enlargement... Before countries are accepted, will there be any kind of referendum? Will the public consult or be discussed only on the Council?”, was the question of a journalist at today's EC media conference.
Mercier in response cited conditions that must meet the countries that want to join and said all member states make decisions for this.
“This is a process that takes time, a large number of steps must be fulfilled. It is a decision that requires member states to make a unanimous decision. The Commission helps countries that want to join, helping them with reforms, as well as economic reform”.
He mentioned that countries must close chapters and reforms should be undertaken.
And when this job is done, at this stage, a decision must be made by all member states
He said there would, of course, be debates in the national parliaments of member states.
So there will be debates going beyond Brussels”.
