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Costa: Introducing bilateral issues into the enlargement process is unfair

by AI | 19.Dec 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The inclusion of bilateral issues between member states and membership candidates in the EU enlargement process is, according to the new President of the European Council António Costa, unfair.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa at a press conference at the EU-Western Balkans summit. Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA.

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Brussels – Introducing bilateral issues among member states and membership candidates into the EU enlargement process is unfair, said the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, during the EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels on Wednesday. He announced that he would personally engage in resolving disputes that hinder the candidates’ approach to the union.

“I will personally engage to try to resolve these bilateral issues because we need to view enlargement as a very important geopolitical investment not only for the Western Balkans but for the common interest of all 27 members,” said the new President of the European Council.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, agreed with him and emphasized the need to seek compromises when resolving bilateral issues.

Regarding the possibility that, in certain steps of the enlargement process, member states might decide by qualified majority instead of unanimity – something Slovenia and Germany, among others, advocate for – she explained that a transition to a qualified majority also requires unanimity.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob thought ahead of Thursday’s EU summit that it is not necessary for member states to vote on every step but to grant the commission a mandate to carry out the process.

Before the European Council meeting, Golob also spoke with the new European Commissioner from Slovenia, Marta Kos, who will be responsible for the union’s enlargement for the next five years. She will be on her first official visit to Slovenia on Monday. (December 18 and 19)

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