The presentation of the Enlargement Package 2014 on 8 October 2014, including the Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2014-15, gave outgoing Commissioner Štefan Füle the opportunity to take stock of the progress in European enlargement in the last five years. Furthermore, the new progress reports of the candidate and potential candidate countries listed the achievements as well as challenges in the accession processes.

Taking stock of the European Enlargement Strategy 2010-14
Over the last five years, a clear focus for the enlargement packages has been set. In 2010, the focus was on strengthening the credibility of the enlargement process. In 2011, the transformative power of enlargement was emphasized. Subsequently, three key pillars of enlargement were introduced under the heading of “fundamentals first”. In 2012, the first pillar was introduced, a new approach to the rule of law which focusses on Chapter 23 – Judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24 – Justice, freedom an security. In 2013, the second pillar was introduced, a framework for economic governance inspired by the European Semester. Finally, in 2014 the third pillar was introduced, public administration reform and strengthening of democratic institutions.

The 2014 Enlargement Package: challenges and achievements
Over the past year, important developments have marked the European enlargement process. On 21 January 2014, the first intergovernmental conference with Serbia took place, establishing the negotiation framework. Kosovo concluded negotiations on the Stability and Association Agreement in May, and the agreement was initialled in July. On 24 June, Albania was granted candidate status. Chapters 23 and 24 were opened with Montenegro in December 2013, and the screening process was completed in May. With Turkey, Chapter 22 was opened in November 2013.

Furthermore 2014 saw the launch of the new Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA 2), which provides €11.7 billion for the period 2014-2020 to support the enlargement countries in their preparation for accession as well as regional and cross-border cooperation. IPA II increases focus on priorities for EU accession in the areas of democracy and rule of law as well as competitiveness and growth. IPA II also introduces a sector approach, incentives for delivery on results, increased budget support and prioritisation of projects.

The 2014 Enlargement Strategy also focusses specifically on the following issues, where important challenges remain for the candidate and potential candidate countries:

• Respecting fundamental rights: the Enlargement Strategy stresses a need for better protection of minorities and tackling discrimination and hostility towards vulnerable groups, including on grounds of sexual orientation. Respecting and promoting the right of women, children and people with disabilities is also mentioned. More robust institutional frameworks for the protection of fundamental rights are needed. Freedom of expression and media remains a particular concern.

• Freedom of expression: the situation concerning freedom of expression and media in practice has deteriorated in some countries in the past year. Government interference with media freedom remains a serious concern, and informal pressure on the media, as well as violence and intimidation against journalists needs to be tackled. The work on freedom of expression and media remains a priority in the EU accession process.

• Importance of regional cooperation: good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation remain essential elements of the Stabilisation and Association process. The last year saw some positive developments in regional cooperation, such as the inclusion of Kosovo in regional fora, the launch of the Western Balkans Six, and regional solidarity and cooperation after the floods which severely affected Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. But further efforts to overcome bilateral disputes are needed and reconciliation is essential. The process of normalisation between Serbia and Kosovo needs to continue, and the Brussels Agreements need to be implemented. Under the auspices of the UN an acceptable solution to the name issue between the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece must be negotiated.

• Constructive and sustainable dialogue across the political spectrum: the last year has seen increasing clashes between governments and opposition in some countries, even leading to one parliamentary boycott. But to support the reform process, strengthening the functioning and independence of key democratic institutions in the enlargement countries is essential. Constructive and sustainable dialogue across the political spectrum, notably within the parliament, needs to be ensured, and dialogue with civil society should be strengthened.

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