Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

West Balkans: Council of Europe

16 November 2022 · 10 other contributors · 12,574 words

Opened by John Howell Con Henley

Responding minister: Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

John Howell raised concerns about west balkans: council of europe in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about Bosnia-Herzegovina's lack of progress and the western Balkan states' disenchantment with EU membership due to the granting of candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine.
  • Influence of Russia and Iran noted, including Russian involvement in energy, banking, real estate, and arms supply, and Iran's activities such as attempted vote rigging in elections.
  • Asked the government to work with the Council of Europe to enhance civil society, ensure free media, and develop training programs for judges and systems governance in the western Balkans.

Key requests to Government

I ask the government to work with the Council of Europe to enhance civil society, ensure free media, and increase political will for reforms in the western Balkans. The Council should focus on rule-of-law issues and develop extensive training programmes for judges and systems governance. I also urge the Secretary-General of PACE to roll up their sleeves and initiate active programs rather than relying solely on monitoring procedures.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

John Howell Con Henley

I am concerned about the troubled state of Bosnia-Herzegovina where nothing gets done. The granting of candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine has left western Balkan states feeling high and dry, increasing disenchantment with EU membership and stability in the region. I also note the significant influence of Russia in energy, banking, real estate, and arms supply across the whole region, as well as Iran's detrimental activities such as attempted vote rigging during recent elections.

Other contributors (10)
  • Alyn Smith SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Ms Nokes, and to make the winding-up speech for the Scottish National party. Alyn Smith commended colleagues from across the House for providing insight into the region and the work of the Council of Europe. He emphasised the need to maintain focus on the western Balkans despite events in Ukraine and highlighted the importance of the UK's continued engagement with the Council of Europe post-Brexit, working alongside the EU to support democracy capacity building and peace-building efforts in the region.

  • Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

    He highlighted the importance of treating the existing Albanian diaspora in the UK well as a key indicator for relations with Albania. He shared his personal experience of coming to the UK from Poland, emphasizing the need to avoid media-driven hysteria around migration. Kawczynski expressed concern over recent racist abuse and bullying faced by Albanians in schools and public demonstrations, warning against vilification that could alienate this community.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon thanked the hon. Member for Henley for leading the debate and expressed his appreciation for the council's efforts in upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He highlighted the importance of discussing the protection of small states given the current situation with Russia and Ukraine. Shannon also raised concerns about Turkey's human rights abuses and ethnic minorities' discrimination, calling on the Minister to provide an update on discussions within the Council of Europe regarding this issue.

  • Margaret Ferrier SNP Rutherglen and Hamilton West

    She thanked the hon. Gentleman for updates on his work with PACE and asked if he agrees that the Council of Europe has a key role in normalising bilateral relations and dispute resolution. Asked Bob Stewart about the importance of protecting freedom of religion in Bosnia, especially given neighbouring countries' interest in joining the EU.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    As the Prime Minister's trade envoy to the western Balkans, Martin Vickers focused on encouraging business links between the UK and the region. He highlighted both challenges and progress in the region's economic environment, emphasising that each country is committed to tackling issues such as bureaucracy, corruption, and political instability. Vickers mentioned the mutual readmission agreement which has returned over 1,000 Albanian foreign national offenders and suggested a major initiative to encourage UK businesses to explore opportunities in Albania.

  • Pauline Latham Con Central Midlands

    Expressed concern over political instability in the western Balkans and called for increased EU integration efforts. Highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe's role in human rights protection and atrocity prevention, urging the Minister to comment on the organisation's actions.

  • Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton

    She praised the hon. Gentleman's stewardship in leading parliamentarians on the Council of Europe, mentioned Turkey's upcoming elections, and asked if he agrees that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe does vital work in election monitoring.

  • Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Bow

    I commend John Howell for raising this issue. I highlight the need to strengthen civil society, ensure free media, and address political instability in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    The MP paid tribute to fellow MPs' contributions on the western Balkans, noting the region's potential for instability. He expressed concerns over tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, mentioning unhelpful rhetoric from President Vučić in Serbia and ethno-nationalism in Bosnia.

  • Tony Lloyd

    Expressed concern about the lack of hope and faith in the future among young people in the western Balkans, noting their desire to leave for Germany rather than stay. Emphasised the importance of combating corruption and ensuring judicial independence to prevent a return to chaos. Stressed the need for cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union against Russian influence.

Government Response

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Minister for Europe emphasised the UK's support for a more prosperous and secure future for the Western Balkans, built on democratic values. She discussed challenges posed by Russia and Iran in undermining stability and democracy. The UK will continue to work with partners like NATO and the EU to promote reforms and peace in the region. Mentioned specific initiatives such as election monitoring in Bosnia-Herzegovina and support for Kosovo's application for membership in the Council of Europe. Also addressed concerns over tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, urging both sides to honour commitments made through dialogues facilitated by the EU.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy