Committee on Foreign Affairs
The Chair
Ref.: D(2017)37793
Dear Chair, dear colleague,
The Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament attaches great
importance to an ongoing dialogue with the national parliaments on the EU’s foreign and
security policy. With a successful EU accession of the Western Balkans being a key policy
priority, it is essential to continue joint parliamentary work on the European future of the
EU’s south-eastern
partners.
Long-term success of the accession process rests on concerted efforts, facilitating dialogue
and bringing the region closer to the Union. We, as parliamentarians, play a key role in the
oversight of the enlargement process, based on a broad spectrum of fundamental reforms,
in particular the rule of law, the fight against corruption and regional integration.
In this regard, I would like to cordially invite you to participate in the next
inter-
parliamentary committee meeting (ICM), dedicated to the EU accession process of
the Western Balkans,
which will take place on
21 November 2017
in Brussels.
The meeting will provide a unique forum for parliamentary dialogue on the
reform
process in the Western Balkans and on EU enlargement.
To exchange views with us,
we have invited
lead parliamentarians from the Western Balkan states,
Commissioner
for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Mr
Johannes Hahn
and
Director for Western Europe, Western Balkans and Turkey of the EEAS Ms
Angelina
Eichhorst.
The meeting is an integral part of the high-level Roundtable on the European integration
process of the Western Balkans, held at the European Parliament on 20-21 November
2017.
The final programme, more detailed practical information and the registration for
advanced requests for the floor will be sent to you in due course.
While appreciating your engagement with the European Parliament, I look forward to
welcoming you at this important event.
Yours sincerely,
David McAllister
Encl. Draft agenda of the ICM