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The Council approved conclusions on enlargement and the EU-Western Balkans stabilisation and association process.
The conclusions assess the situation in each of the EU candidates and partners, set out guidelines on reform priorities, and reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the EU’s enlargement policy. In line with the revised enlargement methodology endorsed by the Council in 2020, a strong focus is put on fundamental reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights, economic development and competitiveness, strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform.
Following the June European Council conclusions, and in light of the Commission’s subsequent recommendation of 12 October 2022, the Council recommends to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, subject to confirmation by the European Council, on the understanding that the steps specified in the Commission’s recommendation are taken, in order to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, migration management and fundamental rights. The Council looks forward to a confirmation of this decision by the December European Council.
The EU enlargement policy is a strong anchor for peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability on our continent. With its conclusions, the Council is sending a strong message of its commitment to EU enlargement. I am particularly pleased about the recommendation to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status and the acknowledgement of reform efforts of Ukraine in such difficult times. The EU will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards future EU membership and we agreed to come back to the situation of the Associated Trio based on an update provided by the Commission next spring.
Mikuláš Bek, Czech Minister for European Affairs
The Council agreed its mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal for a regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising.
In a context where political campaigning is increasingly taking place online and across national borders, the proposal aims to promote high standards of transparency in political advertising in the EU, limit the use of targeted advertising for political purposes and facilitate the cross-border provision and oversight of political advertising services. It will help to combat disinformation, information manipulation and interference in elections, and safeguard an open democratic debate in the EU member states.
The Council’s mandate builds on the Commission proposal, strengthening the proposed rules, clarifying how they would be implemented and seeking to enhance legal certainty.
In a thriving democracy, citizens should receive objective, transparent and pluralistic information, free from manipulation. They should be able to easily recognise political ads, especially online, and know who is behind them. We also need to limit and strictly monitor the use of targeting techniques. The new regulation will ensure up-to-date rules across the EU to protect our democratic processes.
Mikuláš Bek, Czech Minister for European Affairs
As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, ministers held a country-specific discussion, focusing on key developments in Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden.
The exercise is part of the Council’s commitment to make its annual rule of law dialogue stronger and more structured, while fully respecting the principles of objectivity, non-discrimination and equal treatment of all member states. Around half an hour is devoted to each member state. The discussion takes place in the light of the Commission’s rule of law report. In an open and constructive political dialogue, ministers share their experiences, comments and best practices in relation to the developments mentioned.
This was the fifth round of country-specific discussions held since November 2020. The situation in 25 member states has now been covered as part of the exercise.
Ministers discussed the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on 15 December.
At its meeting, the European Council will address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and the EU’s continued support to Ukraine. Leaders will also revert to the topics of energy and economy.
On security and defence, the European Council will discuss the implementation of the Strategic Compass and ways to further increase the EU’s security and defence capacity. It will also give guidance on support to EU partners.
Leaders will also hold a strategic discussion on relations with the Southern Neighbourhood and transatlantic relations.
The Council approved the joint declaration on the EU legislative priorities for 2023-2024, negotiated between the Commission, the Parliament and the Council presidency, accompanied by the three incoming presidencies.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, on behalf of the Czech Presidency, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be invited to sign the joint declaration in the margins of the December European Council.
The Council also approved the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items without discussion.
The EU enlargement policy is a strong anchor for peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability on our continent. With its conclusions, the Council is sending a strong message of its commitment to EU enlargement. I am particularly pleased about the recommendation to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status and the acknowledgement of reform efforts of Ukraine in such difficult times. The EU will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards future EU membership and we agreed to come back to the situation of the Associated Trio based on an update provided by the Commission next spring.