Brussels, 28 February 2017 – The Progress Reports on Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia and Kosovo were adopted at today’s session of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The adopted reports represent a balanced mix of messages of support and criticism. Furthermore, they also encourage the countries to continue fulfilling their obligations and aspirations in the accession process.
The Progress Reports welcome efforts and progress made by the countries in alignment of their national legislation with the EU legislation. They also welcome and encourage the countries’ aspiration in the accession process. The reports mention the importance of a higher interest of the countries in implementation of key reforms in fields of judiciary, fight against the organised crime, strengthening of independent and unbiased media, alignment with the foreign policy of the European Union and stronger involvement of the civil society and opposition in the Parliament into the process of accession to the European Union.
Regret is expressed about influence of the third non-European countries on internal political processes and foreign affairs priorities of the countries from the Western Balkans. Accordingly, a stronger support of the European Union is needed in the Western Balkans.
The Member of the European Parliament, Željana Zovko, actively participated in drafting of the reports on Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia and Kosovo by filing amendments to draft reports. She expressed her satisfaction with the adopted reports.
”These reports and the resolutions are moral instruments of encouragement to the silent majority in these EU-aspirant countries, conveying a message that Europe expects them to join the European family by returning to fundamental European values.“ – said Zovko.
Adoption of resolutions on these reports shall be on the agenda of the plenary session in Strasbourg in mid-March.