Debates

Tuesday, 26 March 2019 - Strasbourg

Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) (debate)

  Eduard Kukan (PPE). – Madam President, I would like to thank and show my appreciation to all the rapporteurs for having prepared a very good report.

The EU needs to be focused on investing in programmes and projects related to the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and of the media. In order to achieve these goals, it is crucial to cooperate with governments, but also to actively support civil society. We need to use our financial support in the region wisely. We are the biggest donor and trading partner of all the countries of the region. We invest in infrastructure, energy networks, environment and agriculture in the Western Balkans. We should expect that the countries will make serious commitments to reforms and to upholding the fundamental values.