The dilemma of the enlargement process - are the Copenhagen criteria sufficient?

The participants of the meeting debated on two subjects: „The effect of the economic and financial crisis on the European Union – short and long-term perspectives” and „The enlargement process - are the Copenhagen criteria sufficient?”. MEP Csaba Sógor represented DAHR on the meeting.

The Hungarian MEP from Transylvania mentioned the essence of the Copenhagen criteria in his speech. He pointed out that the European Union did assume to evaluate, be it by subjective benchmark, the level of preparedness of each candidate based on the guidelines set by the criteria while also setting the political and economic criteria as a prerequisite for the South-Eastern European countries desiring to join the EU.

- Fulfilling the political criteria meant – reminded the MEP –the existence of democratic institutions, the fundamental and minority rights are being respected and protected in the candidate country. Also, the candidate country should meet the economical standards to match the European competition and has a functional market economy.

Csaba Sógor explained that, in his opinion, the current candidate countries do not take the Copenhagen criteria seriously because they see that the recently joined countries do not respect them fully either. The MEP suggested that the EPP, in order to remain the leading political force in Europe and wants to set an example, should ensure that the Copenhagen criteria are being fully respected in all member states. For example in Slovakia, that should concentrate on providing protection of minority rights for its citizens instead of introducing a State Language Law.

- We should not forget that the Copenhagen criteria can be used as a tool to solve the economic crisis, not only in the economical, but in their social aspect as well. The solution to the issues surrounding national minorities belong here, so it is a great challenge for the EPP – said DAHR’s MEP.