A clear message

The European Union keeps its doors open to the Balkans and Turkey but future adhesions will take place only in the full respect of the criteria regulating enlargement of community borders concerning the rule of the law and democracy, relations with the international community, economy, rights and fundamental liberties. This is the meaning of the documents, which the Commission presented on November 6 in Brussels, on the state of development of the negotiations with candidate Countries (Croatia, Turkey and Macedonia) and with those Countries defined “potential candidates” (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia). A separate chapter refers to the status of Kosovo. RESPECT FOR ADHESION CRITERIA. “In 2007 there has been constant but unbalanced progress in western Balkans”: OLLI REHN , Enlargement Commissioner, in her remarks on the documents registering the progress of candidate and “potential” States explained: “we still have to face a series of major challenges”, such as “the question of the Statute of Kosovo, the democratic development of Serbia and the strengthening of the State in Bosnia-Herzegovna.” Maybe to avoid the impression of an EU Commissioner who acts as a “court” towards the one who knocks on the doors of Brussels, the commissioner added: “enlargement is one of the most effective political tools of the Union. In addition to promoting strategic interests in terms of peace, security, freedom, democracy and conflict prevention, it contributed to the increase of prosperity and of growth opportunities.” This remark reaffirms consensus as relates to enlargement (which envisages conspicuous funding), defined by the European Council in December 2006, based on a series of principles: “consolidation of mutual commitments”; “equal and rigorous conditions” towards the State requesting adhesion; improved communication with citizens, to explain advantages of the entry of new States; verification of the “EU’s capacity of integrating new Members”. TURKEY, SLOW-PACE REFORMS. The most controversial question relates to Turkey: a large and populated Country between Europe and Asia, a possible “bridge” to the East. However, its legal and social reality together with its religious majority are different compared to the rest of the continent. The Commission therefore remarks that “Turkey’s democracy won the political crisis of the past months”. It also pointed out that in the past year Ankara “slowed-down” the pace of its political reforms, “with limited progress”. The new institutional situation should allow the “reprisal of reforms” to safeguard “fundamental rights” in a more incisive way, “freedom of expression and of worship in particular” so they may be applied “throughout the Country and within all social sectors.” As relates to adhesion negotiations, the Commission said it confides there will be further progress in 2008. The fact remains that while reports on other Countries consist of 30-40 pages, the one on Turkey amounts to 83, dwelling into many different topics. A separate chapter is focused on the respect for religious freedoms (freedom of worship, public expression, property, education, etc.) The recognition of the “ecumenical” title to the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew, for example, is a delicate question that creates problems and suffering to the Orthodox community.ANKARA’S ATTITUDE. From Ankara the first reactions to the report by the Commission came soon. While Premier TAYYP ERDOGAN noticed a “cold” attitude towards his Country which is not sufficiently explicit in condemning PKK and its terrorist actions, good diplomatic relations are kept the Minister of Justice MEHMET ALI SAHIN . He announced the imminent parliamentary vote to modify article 301 confirming the government’s commitment to implement the reforms called for by the EU. In short, of the 35 chapters included in the negotiations, those opened with Ankara are 6 (to which are added those on trans-European networks and on consumers); other 8 will be undertaken only after extension of Customs Union in Cyprus. CROATIA ON ITS WAY TOWARDS BRUSSELS. For the other Countries, the Commission pointed out different situations. “Negotiations for adhesion with Croatia are proceeding smoothly – stressed Rehn – and are entering a decisive phase”. It is necessary “to find a long-lasting solution for Kosovo that will ensure the democratic and multi-ethnic character of the Country contributing to regional stability”. Furthermore, the improvement of governance in Macedonia, Albania e Montenegro, the construction of the State in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the European path of Serbia will be priority objectives in the forthcoming twelve months”. For Serbia on November 7 the signature of Asa arrived, the stabilization and association agreement, first but essential step for future adhesion of Belgrade to the EU.