President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday that the European Union stands ready to respond when candidate countries fulfil their obligations, stressing that the same message applies to Turkey.
Speaking to journalists upon arrival at the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, Christodoulides said the summit was particularly important following the meeting held in Brussels in December.
Cyprus Presidency credited with momentum
The President said the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU had provided significant momentum to the accession process of several candidate countries after years of limited progress.
He specifically referred to Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.
“I am truly pleased because, after several years, the Cyprus Presidency gave a significant boost to the accession path of candidate countries,” he said.
Christodoulides recalled that preparations for Cyprus’ EU Presidency began with a visit to Montenegro and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved during the six-month term.
Message directed at candidate countries
According to the President, the developments send a clear signal to aspiring member states.
“The message is clear to candidate countries: when they meet their obligations, the European Union is here to respond,” he said.
He added that the same principle applies to Turkey, which remains an EU candidate country.
Reference to Turkey
“And this is also the message we are sending to Turkey, which continues to be a candidate country, that if it fulfils its own obligations, the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus are here to respond,” Christodoulides stated.
Western Balkans belong in Europe
The President said the progress achieved during the Cyprus Presidency sends a positive message both to the citizens of the Western Balkans and to countries seeking closer ties with the EU.
He argued that prolonged stagnation in the accession process had created opportunities for third countries to increase their influence in the region.
“The Western Balkans belong to Europe,” he said, adding that Cyprus’ efforts, combined with reforms undertaken by candidate countries, had delivered significant results.
Christodoulides concluded by saying that the progress achieved demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between the EU and countries committed to advancing their accession ambitions.
Also read: Christodoulides attends Western Balkans summit
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