European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi says the new accession methodology aims to strengthen the process, bring it greater credibility and improve momentum while maintaining its full membership in the European Union.
Commissioner Varhelyi presented to MEPs ways to improve the accession process and how to give a credible EU perspective to the Western Balkans.
“Let me emphasize that full engagement with our neighbors is a top priority for our geopolitical commission. Europe must have a strong and unique voice in the world and must play its geopolitical role fully. This is especially true in our immediate environment, where we must strongly engage in the pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity. It is not only in our interest; it is also a matter of credibility, “states the European Commissioner for Enlargement.
Varhelyi says the new methodology will be based on four principles: more credibility while respecting the progress of individual countries, highlighting the political dimension of the process, focusing on reforms in key sectors and predictability of the process on both sides. He also stresses that the necessary reforms will be most easily implemented with the economic progress of the region.
“Therefore, as a contribution to the Zagreb Summit, the Commission will propose a new economic-based policy approach as a cornerstone for the future in the region. Our aim is to strengthen our presence in the Western Balkans, increase investment and help close the economic development gap We need to consider what concrete measures we can take to drive investment in the Western Balkans to improve access to the EU single market, to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, to improve the business and investment climate and to stop the brain drain from the region, “Varhelyi concludes.
