EU enlargement message

In his speech at the Bled Strategic Forum, in Slovenia, Michel referred to the enlargement of the EU.

Referring to the Western Balkan countries, in particular Ukraine and Moldova, Michel stated that it is time to enlarge the EU, but he did not mention Turkey, currently the longest running candidate country.

“The time has come to leave uncertainty behind and face challenges honestly and openly.” “Said Michel, recalling that 20 years ago the Western Balkans were presented with an EU perspective.

“DISCHARGED”

“The slowness has disappointed many, both in the region and in the EU. I agree with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who said that the EU should keep its promises.” he said.

Referring to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, Michel recalled that Moldova and Ukraine were granted EU candidacy status in June 2022 and continued as follows:

“Expansion is no longer a dream. Now is the time to move on. There is still a lot of work to be done. The expansion will be difficult, complex and painful for potential and existing members. But let’s be clear. If we want to be reliable, we also have to talk about times and our own duties. As a suggestion, I would like to say this. As we prepare for the EU’s strategic agenda, we must set ourselves a clear objective. We must prepare for expansion by 2030 on both sides.”

NEW PARTICIPANTS DO NOT BLOCK THE ENTRY OF OTHERS

Michel also gave the message that the “future members” of the EU should solve their problems among themselves.

“We must ensure that past disputes are not transferred to the EU,” without naming countries such as Serbia and Kosovo. Michel emphasized that the participation of other countries or neighbors should not be hampered by the entry of countries into the EU.

“The ‘trust clause’ can be added to EU agreements so that new EU member states do not block the entry of future members,” Michel said. he made a suggestion.

THE “BUYING” COUNTRIES WILL BE “TRANSFERRING”

Addressing the current EU members, Michel pointed out that the EU enlargement will not be easy and said that after the possible enlargement, it would be necessary to work on the EU budget.

Michel stated that some members that currently receive a part of the EU budget will have to “give rather than receive”, while new members will be “receivers”, stating that “enlargement will affect our policies, programs and budgets. It will take political reforms and political courage,” he said.

Michel, in a statement on his social media account after his speech, announced that he would convene the EU-Western Balkans Summit ahead of the EU Leaders’ Summit on December 14-15.

NUMBER OF CANDIDATE COUNTRIES TO THE EU 7

The last wave of enlargement of the group of European countries, founded by Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg in 1951 as the European Coal and Steel Community, became the European Economic Community in 1957 and later the European Community . Union in accessions over the years, took place in 2004. with the participation of the country.

In the biggest wave of enlargements in the history of the EU, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the Union. In 2007, the number of EU members increased to 27 with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania. With the accession of Croatia in 2013, the number of EU members reached 28. With the departure of the United Kingdom in 2020, the number dropped to 27.

Currently, the EU candidate countries are Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia from the Western Balkans, as well as Turkey since 1999 and Ukraine and Moldova since 2022.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Kosovo are potential candidate countries. (AA)