DG Enlargement: newsletter 30 October 2008

Today news:

The enlargement package is coming!

The European Commission will adopt its enlargement package on 5 November. The Communication on the enlargement strategy at the heart of the package will give an outline of the main challenges in 2009 of the EU’s enlargement policy and a summary of progress made over the past twelve months by each of the countries that share a perspective to join the EU.

Financial assistance plans for the Western Balkans and Turkey

The European Commission has completed the strategic planning of EU financial support for 2008-2010 to the candidate countries and potential candidates: Croatia, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo.

A crucial moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina

This is a crucial moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told the European Parliament on 22 October. "The leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina can either continue to quarrel and fall behind their neighbours, or get on with reform and move forward towards the EU."

Serbia could get candidate status next year, confirms Rehn

"2009 can be a year of clear progress for the whole Western Balkans region towards Europe. If conditions are met, Serbia could get candidate status next year", European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told a Serbian Business Conference in Brussels on 20 October.

Turkey and the EU is "a win-win game"

Turkey and the EU is "a win-win game", European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told the Bosphorus Conference in Istanbul on 10 October. The EU and Turkey "are working in the same direction – towards closer and closer integration between our economies and our societies, with the aim of Turkey becoming a full member of the EU", he re-affirmed.

Croatian media murders vigorously condemned

The European Commission strongly condemned the criminal attack which killed a journalist, Ivo Pukanic and his paper’s marketing director Niko Franjic, in Zagreb on 23 October. "We trust the Croatian authorities will duly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice", said European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

Judiciary focus in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said on 10 October "In our November Progress Report, we will assess the fulfilment of the key priorities of its Accession Partnership, especially the judiciary and administrative reforms and electoral standards. Any recommendation concerning the accession negotiations will depend on the country’s performance."

Albania faces 2009 election challenge

One of the Albania’s key challenges ahead will be handling of the 2009 elections, said European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn on 10 October.

Montenegro must strengthen rule of law

In Montenegro, as elsewhere in the region, the rule of law remains a key challenge, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said on 10 October.

Kosovo (Under UNSCR 1244/1999 ) to remain "a focal point in 2009"

Kosovo will remain a focal point in 2009, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said on 10 October. The EU is committed to help secure peace and stability in Kosovo and support its economic development, he said, as well as its progress towards the EU as part of the Western Balkans.

Enlargement must continue in the changed context

The context for discussions of EU enlargement has changed in recent months, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said in Sarajevo on 10 October. The global financial crisis influences the general political atmosphere, and the economic shock has been felt in the countries of the Western Balkans.

Cyprus question showing "serious movement"

There is finally serious movement towards the reunification of Cyprus, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said on 10 October.

European Commission salutes Ahtisaari’s Nobel Peace Prize

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has congratulated former Finnish President Ahtisaari - a key figure in EU affairs, and most recently in his UN role in Kosovo- on his Nobel Peace Prize.

Enlargement website of the European Commission