The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament has adopted the draft resolution on the Implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which calls for the alignment of candidate countries with this policy and emphasizes that EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment.
In the draft report authorized by the chair of this committee, David McAllister, for which the parliament has not yet expressed its opinion, the continuation of the successful dialogue for the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) between the EU and its Western Balkan partners is welcomed.
The importance of partnerships for peace and security is highlighted, as well as the need for reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights, public administration, and alignment with the Civil Code, including sanctions.
Regarding the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, progress in this process is welcomed, particularly in the areas of freedom of movement and energy. However, disappointment is expressed regarding the lack of progress in implementing the path towards normalizing relations, and a call is made to invest more efforts and capacities into the normalization process.
In the approved amendments, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is urged to overcome the impasse and inject new momentum into the dialogue, as well as to develop a new, innovative, and balanced approach to mediation between the two sides.
Kosovo and Serbia are invited to engage in dialogue to reach a comprehensive, legally binding agreement for normalizing relations, “based on mutual recognition, in accordance with international law, and without further delay.” The European Parliament commits to working closely with 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 Banjskë in 2023, calling for the perpetrators of these attacks to be brought to justice.
