Serbian EU application – a milestone for Europe

This afternoon, Serbian President Boris Tadic will visit Stockholm to hand over the country’s application for membership in the European Union. This makes it an important day, and actually a milestone in history for both Serbia and the EU.

Just fifteen years ago, the Balkans were struck by a devastating war, in which Serbia was deeply involved. Following the arrest of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000, Serbia has moved closer and closer to Europe, which is indeed very positive. In October, the Commission pointed at the positive development of Serbia’s reforms, and this also goes for its cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.

There is a clear goal: all ex-Yugoslav countries will be welcomed as EU members the day they fulfil the criteria. There is a complete consensus about this among Member States.

We have already achieved a lot: Slovenia is a member since five years, Croatia is likely to complete negotiations during 2010 and negotiations may soon start with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Montenegro has applied for membership, and Bosnia-Hercegovina and Kosovo work hard to come closer to the Union.

Last Saturday, the visa regime was lifted for citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This has an enormous impact on countries, where the vast majority of young people have never been abroad.

With visa liberalization and today’s Serbian application, we have taken a great and important leap forward towards integrating the entire Balkan in the EU. This means yet another step towards a Europe, where common problems are solved through discussions – and not through war. And this is the whole idea of European integration.

Goodbye Strasbourg – for now

One important part of the presidency has been the contacts with the European Parliament and its members. It has mainly been my task as EU-minister, but all ministers ave been in Brussels and Strasbourg to meet with MEPs and participate in debates. Prime Minister has been four times in plenary reporting. All in all ministers have vistited formally, in plenary or committees, 85 times. I have myself participated in 30 debates during the 7 sessions, an also took part in question times and visted three committees. In addition there has been a lot of informal meetings starting with discussions about the election of President Barroso.

It has been great fun dealing with the European Parliament and all future presidencies will have to spend much time there as the Lisbon Treaty gives the EP extended powers and co-legislation. I just got back from Strasbourg but I will soon go there again as my hearing as a commissioner-designate will take place in the LIBE-committee in Strasbourg the 19th of January. There is A LOT to study before this so I will have no problems spending time over Christmas.

Foreign policy marathon in Strasbourg

Last session in the European Parliament during this presidency. This time around, it’s two marathon days with a strong focus on foreign policy. Parliament has asked for debates on the Middle East, Congo, Belarus, Georgia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where I will make statements on how Council is working with these countries and regions. Yesterday afternoon, the new High Representative, Catherine Ashton, was debating in Parliament for the first time in her new capacity.

This morning, Prime Minister Reinfeldt has been present in plenary report on the achievements of the Swedish Presidency. Much of the debate dealt with the ongoing climate negotiations, but many Members also wished to debate how the EU has tackled the financial crisis.

This week’s visit to Strasbourg has also offered discussions on transparency issues. Yesterday, I met Commission VP Margot Wallström and Parliament VP Diana Wallis to discuss how we can make it easier for citizens to access documents held by EU institutions. The rules are in force since a number of years, but if we are to make the Union more transparent and accessible, taking advantage of these rules must also become much easier! One of the most important measures in this respect is to create common search tools and a single website for documents from all institutions.