The political and financial support of the 27 to encourage the rule of law in the Western Balkans had “little effect” and did not promote fundamental reforms, the European Court of Auditors said today.
“Despite decades of EU political support and financial assistance, fundamental problems continue to exist in many Western Balkan countries regarding the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption (which remains widespread) and freedom of expression,” he said. this body based in Luxembourg.
The European Court of Auditors considers that the countries concerned, candidates for EU membership (Albania, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) or potential candidates (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo), are still being undermined by these EU gaps, despite their efforts. which paid € 700 million between 2014 and 2020 to contribute to reforms.
Actions advocated by Europeans are “rarely long-term”, solutions to strengthen local governments are “very rare and often ineffective” and the conditions required by Brussels to provide their funding are applied “inconsistently”, they say. the Court auditors.
“The EU has made little use of the possibility of suspending aid if a beneficiary does not respect fundamental principles such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights,” said the European Court of Auditors, noting that support for civil society initiatives inadequate and focused in the short term “.
“The modest progress that has been made threatens the viability of EU support for the accession process,” said Johan Partz, who is in charge of the report.
“Significant progress has been made, but it is clear that much remains to be done (…) Additional efforts are needed to create a true culture of the rule of law and a stronger political commitment,” an EU spokesman said.
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