(ANSA) - UDINE, 26 MAR - Yes, to the EU's enlargement into the Balkans, but no to compromises in dealing with the rule of law and democracy. That was the stance of the S&D Group (Socialists and Democrats) in the European Parliament on the four reports voted on yesterday in plenary on the European integration process of Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. A statement from the group reported.

According to MEP Tonino Picula, coordinator for foreign affairs and rapporteur of the European Parliament on enlargement into the Balkans, the region's future "remains within the boundaries of a strong and united EU". Moreover, he expressed "dismay at the continued failure of the Council to begin accession negotiations with Tirana and Skopje." Picula added that those countries should continue "the path of reform towards EU laws, standards and values" and that the group will not compromise on this issue.

In this regard, Demetris Papadakis, negotiator of the report on Serbia, underlined that Belgrade has not achieved "convincing results in areas such as the judiciary, freedom of expression and the fight against corruption." He also defined the EPP group's attempt to water down the report's critical issues as "deplorable." Anyway, Albania and North Macedonia's European path assessment is positive, and the progress made in the reform agenda is acknowledged. As for Kosovo, on the one hand, there is hope for the resumption of dialogue with Belgrade and political stability; on the other hand, the EU should do its part by granting the country visa liberalization. (ANSA).