1. State of Enlargement
MGSC Luxemburg
March 2014 1

2. Turkey Candidate Country in negotiations since 2005
14 chapters opened: Stalemate overcome due to positive agenda
Chapter on Regional Policy opened in autumn 2013
Chapter 17 (economic and monetary policy has potential for opening as well)
Further Progress depends largely on Turkish efforts (Cyprus question, fundamental rights)
Readmission agreement possibly for signing which is pre-requisite for Visa free travel regime

3. Iceland Still Candidate Country
April 2013: National elections have resulted in a change of government. New government is very eurosceptic.
Parliamentary majority for withdrawing EU Membership application without prior referendum
However, this did not happen (so far)
40 k of Islanders have signed a petition for a referendum on continuation of the negotiations
Assistance: All IPA stopped (including ongoing contracts)

4. Montenegro Candidate Country since 2010
Negotiation framework issued in June 2012
Screening finalised
Screening report on statistics presented to Council
Country position in statistics pending
Track record on chapter 23 and 24 crucial for further progress in negotiations
Opening of 6-9 chapters (GR and IT presidency) planned during 2014
Science & research, education & culture opened and closed

5. *This designation is without prejudice to positions on status,
Serbia
Was granted status of a Candidate Country on 1 March 2012
Accesion negotiations launched during 21 January 2014intergovernmental conference
Screening in the course of Explanatory meeting on statistics in May, bi-lateral screening in November 2014.
Track record on chapter 23 and 24 and relations with Kosovo crucial for further progress in negotiations
Delivery of action plans on chapter 23 & 24 will be key for further progress:
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status,
and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

6. former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Candidate Country since 2005
SAA entered into force in The second stage of the SAA ( e.g.capital flow related issues) was foreseen in Overwhelming support by MS but blocked in Council
High Level Reform dialogue launched by the Commissioner Fuele on reform challenges
Commission has proposed the 5th time opening of negotiations intending to submit quickly a settlement proposal on the name issue
Movement in Council unlikely under Greek presidency

7. Albania Opinion on application was negative in 2010
Positive evaluation of the Candidate Country Potential in the 2013 regular report
Possibility to go for Candidate Country in 2014 if momentum is kept in meeting key priorities in the areas of judicial and public administration, fight against corruption and fighting organised crime
Com optimistic that June European Council will be able to grant CC status

8. Bosnia-Herzegovina
HLAD –High Level Accession dialogue started in June 2012
Progress in meeting political objectives not obvious
Efforts to bring in line the BiH constitution with the European Convention of Human Rights have still not yet come to fruition (Sejdic-Finci ruling of the European Court of Human Rights)
Certain instability in the run-up to the elections (protests)
Elections in October probably not in line with European standards as the Convention of Human Rights (rule of law!)
Progress in the hands of the leaders of the country/entities

9. Kosovo *
The feasibility study on the Stabilisation and Association agreement for KOSOVO* has concluded that it is indeed possible to do such an agreement without the country being fully recognized by all MS.
Following a Council decision negotiatios started on SAA-scheduled for finalisation in summer 2014
Visa facilitation process ongoing.
Belgrade-Pristina dialogue on agreement ongoing
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

10. Northern Cyprus
Stalemate ended as the leaders of the 2 entities started settlement tals again in February 2014
So far no results
Progress linked to the negotiations with Turkey
Comprehensive settlement of the issue in the portfolio of DG Elarg
Technical help for Northern Cyprus continues *

11. Recap: Who can join?
EU Widening–Entry of new Member States into the EU:
“Any European State which respects the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are common to the Member States, may apply to become a member of the Union“
(Treaty on the European Union, Art.49 and Art 6(1) *