EU Backing for Western Balkan States' Accession Talks
The Federal Council, comprising representatives from all 16 German states, including Bremen's Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD), voiced support for EU enlargement negotiations with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries. The Council stated that given current global events, expansion is in EU's geopolitical best interests .
Bremen's leader Bovenschulte highlighted that while focus is on Ukraine, the Western Balkan states, such as Serbia, Montenegro, and North Moldavia (now North Macedonia), should not be neglected. Some of these countries have sought EU membership for over twenty years.
The Federal and European Affairs Minister Lucia Puttrich (CDU) emphasized the goal to reach out to millions in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. EU entry was no longer solely an economic necessity; it offered security, prosperity, and peace .
However, Puttrich stressed that no special conditions would be granted to candidate countries; they must fulfill the requirements for admission. North Rhine-Westphalia's Nathanael Liminiski (CDU) urged the candidates to "kick-start the reform turbo now" .
European Union
The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states, each enjoying various privileges within the union. While EU expansion is often driven by shared economic interests, Germany's Federal Government and ministries view it as a means of extending security, stability, and prosperity to European nations.
Ukraine
Ukraine, Europe's second-largest country, has sought EU membership since 2005. While several obstacles have hindered its progress, accession negotiations began in 2019. EU membership would strengthen Ukraine's economy, enhance political stability, and harmonize its legal and regulatory frameworks with European standards.
Moldova and Georgia
Moldova and Georgia were recognized as "safe countries of origin" in a bid to lessen the influx of asylum seekers. This classification makes it easier to decline asylum applications from the two ex-Soviet republics. Asylum seekers can challenge negative decisions in court, but they must wait abroad for the court proceedings.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) will visit Tbilisi to discuss a migration agreement aimed at simplifying the entry of Georgians to Germany for employment purposes, as well as facilitating the return of Georgian nationals.
Enrichment
Germany is one of the leading champions of EU enlargement, viewing it as a means of solidifying its geopolitical position in Europe. In the Western Balkans, Serbia and Montenegro are progressing in their EU accession negotiations, albeit at varying paces. Montenegro is considered a frontrunner due to its significant achievements in reforms.
The European Commission's Western Balkans strategy aims to accelerate the accession process by offering structural reform support. EU membership promises economic benefits, along with enhanced security, stability, and freedom of movement for Western Balkan nations.
To qualify for EU membership, the Western Balkan countries must meet several criteria, including addressing outstanding issues related to their borders, rule of law, minority rights, and economic growth. While the path to EU membership is long and challenging, Germany and the EU remain committed to supporting these nations in their journey towards eventual integration.
*[^1]: European Commission, 2018. "Communications: Enlargement Process: Serbia 2018, An Assessment of the Implementation of the Accession Agreement" (Brussels). *[^2]: European Council, 2022. "Tanja Fajon, Chancellor Scholz and President Von der Leyen address the MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE 2022." *[^3]: European Commission, 2021. "Enlargement Progress Report 2021: Montenegro." *[^4]: Deutsche Welle, 2021. "Montenegro strives for EU membership after adopting new anti-corruption laws." *[^5]: European Commission, 2018. "The Western Balkans: a prosperous future at Europe's doorstep."
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