General Affairs Council approved Council conclusions on enlargement and stabilization process
13.12.2022 / 13:58 | Aktualizováno: 02.03.2023 / 15:55
The conclusions take stock of progress made and give further guidance for the countries of the Western Balkans on their EU path as well as highlight the reform efforts of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia as newcomers to the accession process. The conclusions reflect the growing geostrategic importance of the EU enlargement policy in the current context. The EU reconfirms that the future of the Western Balkans as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia is in the Union.
Besides the implementation of the rule of law related reforms, the text also clearly anchors the alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy as an important factor for further progress in accession negotiations. The conclusions stress the importance of gradual integration into the European policies and activities before the countries become fully-fledged members of the EU and provide a clear perspective for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia concerning sectoral integration, including the internal market. The three countries should also receive intermediate feedback to their reform process in spring 2023.
The recommendation of the Council to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, subject to confirmation by the European Council is a major step in the accession journey of the country and an encouragement on its reform path.
The conclusions reflect to ambition of the Czech Presidency to actively contribute to a dynamic, fair and progressive EU enlargement policy.