Next informal summit of heads of state and government The European Union, which will take place in Grenada at the beginning of October, will not only coincide with the third summit of the European Union. European Political Community. It will also focus on a new European enlargement process. A month after Spain’s biennial EU presidency, European Council President Charles Michel has set a date for the next joining the European club: 2030. “To be credible, we have to talk.” about times and tasks. I have an offer. As we prepare the EU’s next strategic agenda, we need to set ourselves a clear target. Speaking at the strategic forum in Bled (Slovenia), he stated that we should be ready to expand by 2030.
The Belgian liberal explained that the “window of opportunity” is open, that the European Union must act now and be “bold”, and that is why the 27 leaders will discuss the issue at two meetings in October in Granada and Brussels. . . “We will declare ourselves on the initiation of negotiations” Ukraine and Moldova. And I hope that too Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia Sit at the table again”, Michel explains four of the countries invited to participate Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye They are on their way to the EU.
was in Thessaloniki summit (Greece), when European governments confirmed the European perspective towards the Western Balkan countries in June 2003. Exactly twenty years ago, when the pace of progress was “slow” and “disappointing many”, he stressed that, like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Europe had to “keep its promises”. According to the European leader, the EU needs to strengthen its ties and become stronger in order to become “stronger and more secure”. And for that, it “will have to face the challenge of enlargement.
merit-based process
Michel urged Member States to let go of their “uncertainty” and face the challenges with “openness and honesty”, warning that it will be difficult for countries with a lot of work to do, who aspire to enter. will be based on merit. The Belgian liberal first noted that respect for values and the rule of law were important elements. “Our Union was founded on the basic values of human rights and dignity, democracy and solidarity. The rule of law enables us to live, work, create and trade fairly in a wide range of freedoms. With full respect for our diversity. Every citizen and business must have confidence that they will be treated fairly. no matter where they live or do business. Reminding that this includes respecting minority rights”, he emphasized the importance of guaranteeing an independent judiciary, fighting corruption and organized crime, as well as supporting the EU in foreign policy. Something “more important today than ever”.
The President of the European Council also reminded the candidates applying to the EU that they should resolve any bilateral conflicts they may have had in the past due to “no cooperation without reconciliation” and “no room for past conflicts within the EU”. It warned of any possibility that the transfer of past conflicts to the EU could be used to “prevent the participation of its neighbors and future member states”. As the Belgian politician explained, one way to avoid this possibility is to “confidence condition” accession agreements include “to ensure that newly acceding countries do not hinder future member states”.
report in October
The next phase of the debate ahead of the political debate will come in October when the European Commission presents its report package on enlargement. This is an important moment to measure the degree of progress in the integration process. Waiting until then First official report on UkraineThe country that was granted candidate country status in a record time last year. Evidence of the interest and concern the issue has aroused among European leaders is the breakfast held at the end of June by ten European heads of state and government to share their concerns about the impact of enlargement on the European Union. Distribution of European funds and decision making.
“The integration of new members into our Association will not be easy. It will affect our policies, programs and budgets. It will require political reforms and political courage. The territory and demographics of the EU will grow. But relative prosperity will not come immediately: Significant funds will be needed to help countries grow”, so “we must make sure that the EU budget provides European added value for all. The GDP of future member states is approximately represented. 50-70% of the EU’s smallest economy. This means they will be net buyers. Many of the current net buyers will become net contributors. Therefore, we need to explore how to manage this complex transition,” Michel openly admitted.
The unification of poorer countries will not only affect the budget, but also the decision-making process, which has become extremely complex in recent years, especially in areas where consensus is required. “More members will mean more diversity” and “We will need to adapt our institutional framework and procedures so that an enlarged EU can take effective and timely decisions,” he said, but refused to take the unanimity away. “The Union is the foundation of the EU’s strength. The best way to ensure that the decisions are implemented in the same way is to be united,” he said.