The S&D Group in the European Parliament remains committed to the EU enlargement process for the Balkans and underlines that Europe's enlargement policy strengthens stability and democracy in this region, which must be maintained and even strengthened.
Following discussions in the European Parliament's plenary yesterday and the adoption today of the progress reports for Serbia, Kosovo and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the S&D Group welcomed the adoption of the reports following the elections in the three countries, which provide a good platform to deliver on urgent reforms as well as to work towards European integration.
Said Tanja Fajon MEP, S&D vice-president and shadow rapporteur on Serbia:
"I welcome the adoption of the 2016 report on Serbia, which shows that some progress has been achieved. However, I am afraid that the situation on the paper does not reflect the real state of play in Serbia. Too often, I hear Serbian people, especially young people, complaining about the lack of rule of law, democracy, media freedom and respect for human rights. Moreover, this is not the Serbia which we see as part of the EU family. As an important player in the region, I wish for Serbia to develop into a prosperous, economically and socially stable country, where democracy is a way of living, not a word on paper."
Said Pier Antonio Panzeri MEP, shadow rapporteur for Kosovo:
"The approval of this report helps to focus our attention on different crucial points that still prevent the complete integration of Kosovo. It identifies some remarkable improvements on an economic level and on tax revenues, but in order for Kosovo to continue with its sustainable development in the long term, social and economic structural reforms are needed, which can only be reached through better collaboration among Kosovar political groups.
"Although the result, related to the last elections, shows a fragmentary and complicated framework regarding relations with its neighbour, Serbia, our expectation is that the future government will be able to guarantee some much-needed stability for the country, in order to carry on the process of integration with the European Union. In addition, I believe that we need to solve the issue concerning the non-recognition of Kosovo by five EU member states. I am convinced that a change of course by these countries could also allow for the improvement of relations between Kosovo and Serbia."
Said Tonino Picula MEP, shadow rapporteur for FYR Macedonia:
"I welcome the adoption of a well-balanced country report and the formation of a new government led by our sister party, SDSM. This government has a chance to show a different style of governance, which is both democratic, inclusive and reform-oriented. Implementation of the Pržino Agreement and urgent reform priorities is vital to put Macedonia back on the path towards European integration, which all parties have committed to and which all citizens want and deserve.
"The S&D Group is ready to work with the new government in fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens and on advancing the necessary reforms to move the country forward."
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