EU foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans
16 December 2014 News
At today's General Affairs Council meeting, EU foreign ministers discussed the European integration of the Western Balkans and Turkey. The 28 top diplomats reiterated their commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries on the basis of strict implementation of the necessary criteria and evaluation according to the individual progress of each country. Minister Daniel Mitov underscored the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations as a key element of the process of preparation for membership.
The opening of negotiations with Serbia at the beginning of this year marks a new stage in relations with the EU, which requires an even stronger commitment to reforms, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said. Unfortunately, there is a retreat in the implementation of the Copenhagen criteria by the Republic of Macedonia, he said. There is no progress in the negotiations on the Treaty of Good Neighborly Relations and Friendship over the past year. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister expressed support for advancing EU's relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, given that the country's political leaders commit to accelerate the reform process.
Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the strategic partnership and the key role of Turkey. At the same time they expressed deep concern over the violation of the freedom of the media and the recent arrests of journalists. Minister Daniel Mitov said that he expects the Turkish side to strengthen cooperation with the neighboring Member States in view of improving border control and welcomed the entry into force of the Readmission Agreement between Turkey and the EU.