TIRANA, Feb 5/ATA/-Our proposal for a revised methodology adopted by EU Commission today aims to make accession negotiations more credible, dynamic, predictable and with stronger political steer, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi said.
According to him, credibility, for Western Balkans and for EU: accession process needs to rest on solid trust and mutual confidence. Focus on fundamental reforms will be strengthened, while EU needs to deliver on its commitment when candidates meet conditions.
“Stronger political steer on both sides, in view of political nature of accession process: we need to have more engagement with Western Balkans on all levels, incl through regular summits. We want to involve Member States more strongly in monitoring and review of the progress,”European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi said.
Varhelyi said that it is expected a more dynamic process. “We will group negotiating chapters in 6 thematic clusters. Cluster on fundamentals to play a central role: open first, closed last. With important reforms done, time frame between opening a cluster and closing a chapter should be limited, preferably a year,”he said.
“Predictability: defining more clearly the conditions, and what positive impact is when there is progress and what are negative consequences if there is no progress. With faster reform progress faster advancing. With stagnation or backsliding, corrective measures can be taken, “he added.
“Revised methodology one of three tracks of work. We will be working on opening of accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania in parallel. And EU Commission will come forward with economic development and investment plan for Western Balkans ahead of Zagreb summit in May,” Varhelyi said. //a.i/
