The European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy, Oliver Varhelji, assessed in response to a parliamentary question that EU aid to the Western Balkans has contributed to progress in the rule of law, but that much still needs to be done, especially considering the fact that the new enlargement methodology has an increased focus to that area.
MEP Žili Lešante from the Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament asked Varhelji how the European Commission (EC), considering the slow progress in the area of the rule of law in the Western Balkans, plans to continue with the enlargement process.
The response states that the European Commission welcomed the report of the European Court of Auditors on EU support for the rule of law in the Western Balkans, which acknowledges that EU assistance has contributed to the reforms.
The reforms, as stated, have brought positive development in the area of the rule of law in the Western Balkans, such as improving the efficiency of the judiciary.
"It was also crucial for the implementation of the legislative framework and the promotion of a proactive approach in the fight against corruption, especially in some partner countries from the region," states the European Commissioner's response.
Varhelji stated that the annual reports of the EC for the period 2014-2020. show that all EU partners from the Western Balkans have made progress in the area of rule of law, with some recording particularly good and sustainable progress.
In support of this, the European Commissioner stated that the Court of Auditors recognized the process of checking judges and prosecutors as part of the judicial reform in Albania as a positive development.
Along with the statement that progress has been made in the rule of law, the EC also made it clear that much still needs to be done, according to the European Commissioner's answer to a parliamentary question published on the European Parliament's website.
As it is pointed out, as part of the changed enlargement methodology, the EU increased its focus on the basics, which cover the rule of law, but also fundamental rights, democratic institutions, public administration reform and economic management.
"The rule of law remains the foundation of the accession process and will set the pace of the enlargement partners on their way to the EU," the response said.
Varhelji further wrote that the EC continues to cooperate with the authorities of the Western Balkans and other relevant actors in order to advance the rule of law.
Also, as part of the accession process, the EC will continue to regularly monitor the development of the situation and recommend the necessary actions.
Member of the European Parliament Lechante from the French extreme right-wing National Gathering party stated to the European Commissioner for Enlargement that the EU supports the rule of law in the Western Balkans without tangible results.
As she explained, the special report of the Court of Auditors on support for the rule of law in the Western Balkans from January showed that the EU in the period 2014-2020. provided 700 million euros for that area, especially through the instrument for pre-accession aid.
She also stated that, although the report shows that Serbia has made exceptional progress, that part of the report, in her opinion, is not objective.
The Court's report states that "corruption remains a major cause for concern in all countries of the region."
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