Despite the tensions with Serbia, in December 2022 Kosovo formally applied to join the EU. But unless relations between Serbia and Kosovo are normalized, accession of either of the countries is unlikely.
‘There are some member states that have their own historical sensitivities, and they don’t want European legislation on minority rights because that would mean that they must put their own house in order. 50 million Europeans who belong to a national minority are not protected by anti-discrimination legislation.’
The EU’s most recent corruption scandal—the second within a short period of time—is a reminder of the lack of accountability and popular oversight of Brussels.
Despite the significant grants and investments agreed upon by the EU, and the bloc’s support for the regional association process, what Tirana didn’t bring closer is the holy grail for the Western Balkans: fast-tracked EU accession.
After months of negotiations, EU ambassadors on Monday reached an agreement on the funding package that may allow Hungary to have access to part of its frozen EU funds. However, Poland’s unexpected veto on Wednesday may upset the plans.
The financial battle between Hungary and the EU is coming to an end with an agreement reached on all major issues. Both parties celebrate the result as their own victory, but in fact, it is a victory for European diplomacy, once again driven by reason instead of senseless, ideological moralizing.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the freedom of movement of European citizens, which is so essential to the European project, is now in danger in the face of the worsening migration crisis.
‘If the world’s largest trading bloc gives up on the concept of free trade, the entire global economy will be hurt.’
To the consternation of the left and liberal members of the chamber, but accompanied by the clapping of like-minded representatives, Legutko stated that the European Parliament has abandoned its basic function of representing people and has instead turned into a ‘machine to implement the so-called European project, alienating millions of voters.’
While it is highly unlikely that Ukraine will join the EU anytime soon, should Kyiv become a member state, it will be one of the poorest, with only one-ninth of the EU’ average GDP per capita.