Stability and progress in the Western Balkans - Lords to debate International Relation Committee's report
On Thursday 24 May Lord Hannay of Chiswick, will move on behalf of Lord Howell of Guildford, that the House takes note of the International Relations Committee's report The UK and the future of the Western Balkans, which was published in January.
The report called on the Government to sustain and develop its involvement in the Western Balkans, regardless of Brexit, and to prove its promise that leaving the European Union does not mean leaving Europe, especially with regards to European security. Lord Hannay will welcome the Government's positive response to the Committee's report, and urge the Government to reaffirm its commitment to the region during the Western Balkans Summit on 10 July in London.
Key recommendations from the report include:
- Strong British involvement in the region must continue.
- The impact of Brexit in the region needs to be countered with a reaffirmation of British commitment to the Western Balkans.
- The hosting of the Western Balkans Summit in London in July sends out a clear message of support for the people of the region, and should be used as an opportunity to set out how the UK will engage with the region after Brexit.
- The Committee agrees with the Government's support of countries in the region aiming to become members of NATO and the EU.
- The destabilising influence of outside powers, notably Russia, must be firmly and persistently countered.
Ahead of the debate Lord Hannay of Chiswick said:
“It is clear that neglecting the countries of the West Balkans and the challenges they pose to Europe as a whole is a risky approach. Britain has played an important role in stabilising the region in the past and must continue to do so in the future, despite Brexit.
“The Government should use the Summit in July to set out in detail Britain's continuing commitment to supporting stability, democracy, the rule of law and prosperity in the Western Balkans. The Government should also take the opportunity to boost UK trade with the Western Balkans for its own benefit and to promote economic prosperity. Only sustained effort over a lengthy period of time will ensure that we are not, yet again, bitten on the ankle by developments in the Balkans.”
