Commission adopts 2015 Enlargement Package

The European Commission adopted today the annual reports assessing where the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey stand in preparing to meet EU membership requirements, and setting out what needs to be done to address the remaining challenges. Presenting the annual Enlargement Package, Commissioner Johannes Hahn said: “The current refugee crisis shows how crucial close cooperation between the EU and the countries in south-east Europe is. The EU enlargement process, covering the Western Balkans and Turkey, is a powerful tool to strengthen the rule of law and human rights in these countries. It also boosts the economy and promotes regional cooperation. A clear European perspective gradually transforms our partner countries and strengthens stability around our Union. Our firm commitment to EU enlargement, and to the conditions it involves, is therefore a long-term investment in Europe’s own security and prosperity”. The Progress Reports are available online. Also available online : Press release, factsheets: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and speech by Commissioner Hahn to the European Parliament