Sarkozy for Balkan enlargement, but not yet

Nicolas Sarkozy supports Croatia and Serbia’s entry into the EU, but only once EU institutional reform is complete.

Izvor: FoNet

Thursday, 10.07.2008.

15:14

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Nicolas Sarkozy supports Croatia and Serbia’s entry into the EU, but only once EU institutional reform is complete. Outlining the French EU presidency’s objectives for the next six months, the French president said that without institutional reform based on the Lisbon Treaty, the EU would not be able to expand beyond the current 27. Sarkozy for Balkan enlargement, but not yet In this context, he particularly highlighted the cases of Croatia and Serbia, whose entry he otherwise supported. “I should add that I am in favor of EU expansion to the Balkans, that our Croatian, as well as our Serbian friends are, without doubt, European,“ Sarkozy said. “But the current members who back expansion cannot at the same time say 'we don’t want Lisbon, but we want expansion', because Lisbon and expansion go hand in hand,“ the French president explained. “It’s not a matter of blackmail, as there is no blackmail in Europe. It’s a question of consistency, respect and logic. As far as Croatia is concerned, it needs to continue negotiations, but everyone has to assume responsibility. If Europe needs to expand, and I think it does, it will be with new institutions,” he added. Sarkozy said that in October or December of this year, he would, in concert with Irish leaders, offer a solution to the problems linked to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. At a referendum on June 12, Irish voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty, which, among other things, envisaged measures for institutional reform. “We need to, at the same time, not turn our backs on the Irish, and see under what conditions and with what agreement we’ll organize European elections,” said the French president, adding that he would be visiting Ireland on July 21. “There is still time, but not much,” he cautioned. Sarkozy said that there would be no new treaty if Lisbon was not ratified. “European Parliament elections in June 2009 will held on the basis of either the Nice or Lisbon Treaty,” he told MEPs. Nicolas Sarkozy (FoNet, archive)

Sarkozy for Balkan enlargement, but not yet

In this context, he particularly highlighted the cases of Croatia and Serbia, whose entry he otherwise supported.

“I should add that I am in favor of EU expansion to the Balkans, that our Croatian, as well as our Serbian friends are, without doubt, European,“ Sarkozy said.

“But the current members who back expansion cannot at the same time say 'we don’t want Lisbon, but we want expansion', because Lisbon and expansion go hand in hand,“ the French president explained.

“It’s not a matter of blackmail, as there is no blackmail in Europe. It’s a question of consistency, respect and logic. As far as Croatia is concerned, it needs to continue negotiations, but everyone has to assume responsibility. If Europe needs to expand, and I think it does, it will be with new institutions,” he added.

Sarkozy said that in October or December of this year, he would, in concert with Irish leaders, offer a solution to the problems linked to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

At a referendum on June 12, Irish voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty, which, among other things, envisaged measures for institutional reform.

“We need to, at the same time, not turn our backs on the Irish, and see under what conditions and with what agreement we’ll organize European elections,” said the French president, adding that he would be visiting Ireland on July 21. “There is still time, but not much,” he cautioned.

Sarkozy said that there would be no new treaty if Lisbon was not ratified. “European Parliament elections in June 2009 will held on the basis of either the Nice or Lisbon Treaty,” he told MEPs.

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