EU-wide/Brussels – Since Georgia was recognized as an EU candidate country at the end of 2023, the country has made significant setbacks. This is the assessment of the European Commission in its enlargement report published in Brussels on Wednesday. The government in Tbilisi is, among other things, urged to withdraw two controversial laws. With regard to Moldova and Ukraine, the Commission hopes to be able to start accession negotiations in 2025.
“The EU remains committed to further deepening the partnership with Georgia, in accordance with the wishes of the vast majority of the Georgian population,” the report states. “Unless Georgia reverses its current approach, which jeopardizes its path to the EU, and makes tangible efforts to resolve outstanding issues and implement major reforms, the Commission will not be able to recommend starting negotiations with Georgia.”
For Serbia, the Commission reiterates its position that the country meets the conditions to open the third negotiation chapter. However, this step has not yet been taken by the EU member states, who must decide on this matter unanimously. Despite progress, the Brussels authority criticizes that Serbia still deviates from the EU position, especially with regard to Russia. The EU Commission largely praises Bosnia-Herzegovina, although some steps are still missing before a negotiation framework (a prerequisite for negotiations; note) can be adopted.
“Europe is not complete without the Western Balkans, and we risk other influences, such as from Russia or China, intensifying and pushing back democracy and our European values in our immediate neighborhood,” said ÖVP delegation leader in the EU Parliament, Reinhold Lopatka, on the enlargement package published today.
“Enlargement is in line with the EU’s goals of promoting democracy, stability and prosperity in Europe, which benefits both the EU and the candidate countries,” said SPÖ delegation leader Andreas Schieder in a statement. “The prospect of EU membership and the fulfillment of the associated criteria encourage candidate countries to advance sometimes necessary reforms to promote the rule of law and human rights.” (30.10.2024)
