The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a draft resolution on the Implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which calls for the alignment of candidate countries with this policy and emphasizes that EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment, Sputnik reports.
In the draft report, authorized by the committee’s chairman, David McAllister, for which the Parliament has not yet expressed its opinion, it welcomes the “successful continuation of the dialogue” on the CSDP between the EU and its partners in the Western Balkans and highlights the importance of partnerships for peace and security, as well as the need for reforms regarding the rule of law, fundamental rights, public administration, and alignment with the Civil Code, including sanctions.
Regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, progress in the process is welcomed, particularly in the areas of freedom of movement and energy. However, regret is expressed over the lack of progress in the implementation of the roadmap for normalizing relations, with a call for more effort and capacity to be invested in normalizing relations.
In the approved amendments, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is urged to overcome the deadlock and give new momentum to the dialogue, as well as to develop a new, innovative, and balanced approach in mediating between the two parties.
Kosovo and Serbia are invited to engage in dialogue to reach a comprehensive, legally binding agreement for the normalization of relations “based on mutual recognition, in accordance with international law, and without further delays,” while the European Parliament undertakes to work closely with both the outgoing and incoming EU Special Representatives for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.
The amendments condemn the attacks on critical infrastructure near Zubin Potok and the attack in Banjska in 2023, calling for the perpetrators of these attacks to be brought to justice.
Serbia is not directly mentioned in the McAllister draft report, but in the adopted amendments, it is stated that accession negotiations with Serbia should progress only if it respects EU sanctions against Russia and makes significant progress in reforms related to the EU, especially in areas of core values.
The amendments emphasize that EU membership requires alignment with its foreign policy, which includes voting on UN General Assembly resolutions, support for Ukraine, and alignment with sanctions against Russia. It is noted that most of the Western Balkan partners are closely aligned with the EU’s CSDP, with the exception of Serbia.
It is also claimed that the previous parliamentary and local elections in Serbia deviated from international standards, and the Serbian authorities are urged to ensure a constructive and inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum and implement necessary reforms so that Serbia can progress on its path toward EU membership.
The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee prepares a resolution every year in response to the report of the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is addressed to the Parliament and discussed in the report.
The resolutions of the European Parliament are not binding, and the Parliament is likely to express its opinion on this draft resolution in full in March of this year.
