MPs from the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, led by Croatian MEP and Western Balkans enlargement rapporteur Tonino Picula, today reiterated the importance of a credible enlargement perspective for candidate countries.

Lawmakers criticised member states for refusing to start accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, and slammed european Commission Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi's ignorance of reports of human rights violations and the rule of law, as reported by the media. All candidates who want EU membership must respect basic human rights and defend the rule of law and media freedom, as well as fight corruption, the Socialists and Democrats insist." We remain the most persistent proponents of enlargement in the European Parliament. That is why we were disappointed by the outcome of the Bled Summit on the Western Balkans and the lack of an initiative of the members. The financial package was great news, but far more political engagement and dedication is needed. The EU would have to honour its own obligations and preserve credibility. We must finally deliver what we promised To North Macedonia and Albania and start negotiations with them, just as we must start implementing a visa-free regime with Kosovo," Picula told Varhelyi during today's session of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. As rapporteur for Montenegro, Picula said he was concerned about the slowdown in the process of rapprochement with the Union. Any situation that could be interpreted as a cause for rising tensions and polarisation must be avoided, he said, adding that Bosnia and Herzegovina must step out of its internal stalemate to finally begin a credible rapprochement with EU membership." Despite our support for enlargement, it must be clear that we will never compromise on the rule of law and democracy. Commissioner Varhelyi's reports are worrying because they show a willingness to ignore the importance of the rule of law, especially in Serbia. In this way, not only does the credibility of the Union in the region be undermined, but it benefits those who are against enlargement," Picula concluded.