Ukraine to be given support in any possible way to join the EU
“All candidate countries must fulfill the preconditions of the EU and continue to work on the rule of law, right of minorities, freedom of speech and action against corruption. On all these areas, the level of standard asked by the EU needs to be achieved. The EU will not tolerate authoritarian or totalitarian governments.” Nikola Dobroslavić, President of Dubrovnik-Neretva Region (Croatia) made these remarks during an EPP Local Dialogue on ‘EU Enlargement as part of the Future of Europe: the views of cities and regions’
Referring to the situation with Serbia, Dobroslavić said that Serbia can’t be part of the EU while praising people involved in war crimes. With respect to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Dobroslavić who served as the CoR Rapporteur for the Enlargement Package said that BiH has to implement decisions of national courts and those of the EU courts of human rights.
Olgierd Geblewicz, EPP-CoR President and President of West Pomerania Region (Poland) said that in 1990 Poland and Ukraine had the same GDP and quite similar potentials and problems but things have changed since then. “Today, Poland has more than three times the GDP, five times the average salary. This is due to two factors: Our entry into the European Union in 2004 and building a strong local government at the level of cities and regions.” Geblewicz stressed the important role of Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) in enlargement. “We have to support efforts of neighbouring countries in the process of delivering all requirements. As LRAs, we have a lot of tools to do this because we can share our experience, perform joint projects and to exert pressure from the ground to governments to fulfil all requirements. This is vital as we can’t take any shortcuts to ensure that all commitments are delivered.”
Geblewicz referred to his visit to the Ukrainian city of Odessa for an event organised by the City on Europe Day. “There was an impressive strong support shown by people. This huge will to join the EU can’t be ignored. We have to realise that Ukrainians are fighting for our common values and we have to support them in any possible way.”
Franz Schausberger, Representative of Salzburg stressed that enlargement must once again become a priority of EU policy. He warned on the need to make progress “If we continue with the policy of empty phrases and general promises without concrete results, non-European and undemocratic powers will use the frustration of the Western Balkans to consolidate their influence in this part of Europe.” In this regard he called for an enlargement booster and to move forward ensuring that implemented reforms result in immediate progress in negotiations. Schausberger also called for a bottom up approach through cities and regions. “Compliance with subsidiarity, decentralisation and strong local self-government should be essential criteria for progress on enlargement.”
Mato Franković, Mayor of Dubrovnik said that the European spirit is all about diversity and solidarity. He added that enlargement comes with the responsibility of peace and security. Franković asked if Europe is ready for a new enlargement emphasising that unity within Europe was key. He said that while the EU showed great unity with respect to the Covid-19 crisis there were questions if this was fully the case when it comes to the war in Ukraine.
Sunčana Glavak, Member of the European Parliament said that even if the accession process will be long, strong criteria for EU enlargement will help and strengthen the candidate countries. Taking Croatia’s example, she explained that it did take a long time for the country to become a EU member state but it made Croatia stronger economically and socially as well as competitive on the internal market.
Željko Turk, Mayor of Zaprešić said that LRAs in Europe are in contact with regions and cities in candidate countries, helping them to access funds and create strong local and regional communities aligned to European standards.
Danijel Marušić, Member of Brod-Posavina County said that while EU enlargement needs to take place, enlargement criteria had to be respected.
The event was moderated by journalist Ivana Petrović.