Secretariat welcomes European Parliament’s resolutions on enlargement progress reports

The European Parliament has recently adopted resolutions on the 2019-2020 Commission enlargement progress reports on Albania, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia. On the basis of the Secretariat’s expert input in the drafting phase, the Parliament stressed the need for continued reforms in line with Energy Community obligations for creating a competitive internal energy market and achieving the decarbonization commitments of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. The Contracting Parties were encouraged to actively participate in the implementation of the European Green Deal in particular by introducing a carbon price, removing non-compliant fossil fuel subsidies and phasing-out coal as well as adopting integrated National Energy and Climate Plans.

Director Kopač said: “The voice of the European Parliament – as the EU’s democratically elected institution – is particularly important in recognizing the achievements of the Contracting Parties and reminding them of the legal obligations related to European integration. The Secretariat stands ready to continue supporting the European Parliament and working together towards a carbon neutral Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership region.”

The European Parliament is expected to adopt its resolutions on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro at one of its upcoming Plenary sessions.

* 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.