The European Commission has presented its annual ‘Enlargement Package’, which contains a strategy for the work on EU enlargement for 2009 and 2010. In light of this, we put four questions to Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

Against the background of this report, how is the enlargement process going at the moment?
- The dynamics in the EU’s enlargement, and the positive effects it has on stability and development in Europe, are clear to see. This is shown not least by the membership applications from Montenegro, Albania and Iceland. In addition, the recommendation to start negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the steps towards visa liberalisation for a number of countries in the Western Balkans, are clear signs to the citizens of those countries that EU alignment gives results and practical benefits.

What are the greatest challenges or problems that you see in the enlargement process?
- Meeting the EU’s demands on the rule of law and democracy, functioning market economy and the capacity to implement EU legislation and rules is a great challenge. There remains a significant amount of work for all the countries before the goal is reached. I particularly want to emphasise the principles of the rule of law as the foundation for EU cooperation. Good neighbourly relations and the aspiration to resolve outstanding conflicts with other countries are also a key issue.

What is the next step in the enlargement negotiations?
- I am very pleased that the Commission recommends starting negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This is a proof of the major efforts the country has made to fulfil the conditions laid down by the EU. The accession negotiations with Croatia are entering a crucial stage and should be able to be completed during 2010 if Croatia keeps up its pace of reform.

In the report the countries in the Western Balkans with a membership perspective are also mentioned. What do you think the requirements are for, say, Bosnia and Herzegovina to come closer to the EU? You were there last week and met the political leaders.
- The Swedish Presidency hopes that the political leaders in Bosnia will be able to take the steps necessary so that the country does not fall behind other countries in the region in drawing closer to the EU.