Western Balkans progress called ‘steady but uneven’

BRUSSELS, May 26 – The European Commission has said the Western Balkans was making “steady” but “uneven” progress toward becoming members of the European Union (EU).
EU commissioner for enlargement, Oli Rehn, told the European Parliament that their membership faces challenges, such as the conclusion of the status process in Kosova and the fragility of European integration in Serbia.
“When these are overcome, the region has a bright future,” he said.
“Provided a number of conditions are met by Croatia, in this autumn’s enlargement package we will present an indicative timetable, or a conditional road map, for a technical conclusion of the negotiations during the course of next year.”
On Macedonia, the commissioner said it needs to demonstrate its readiness to undertake negotiations by meeting eight key priorities, such as reforming the judiciary and implementing the police law.
Both Albania and Montenegro need to effectively implement the SAA and pursue reforms with determination, he said.
In particular, they should focus on areas such as the rule of law, judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as strengthening administrative capacity. (Tirana Times Staff)