The European Union’s enlargement policy is a major achievement in integration and a precondition for stability and development in Hungary’s immediate neighbourhood, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on 16 October 2013.

Hungary welcomes the European Commission’s conclusion that progress has been made over the past year with regard to the majority of countries involved in the enlargement process.

Commenting on the EC’s latest annual progress report on EU enlargement released on October 16, the Ministry announced that Hungary agrees with the EU focussing on economic and competitiveness issues, alongside the rule of law and good governance, and with its supporting the recognition of individual achievements.

The Ministry welcomed the EC’s call to begin accession talks with Serbia in January at the latest. Serbia has fulfilled all membership criteria; now it is the EU’s turn to begin an official dialogue.

Hungary agrees with the need to begin accession talks with Macedonia and backs the EU’s proposal for granting associate membership to Albania. It also welcomes efforts to conclude a stability and accession agreement with Kosovo as soon as possible.

Hungary supports all steps which may give a boost to accession talks with Turkey. Hungary also continues to provide all possible assistance to the countries involved in EU enlargement.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)