Exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association Process

The Committee on International Trade adopted the report by Kris VAN DIJCK (ECR, BE) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2024/823 of 28 February 2024 on exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association Process.

The committee responsible recommended that the European Parliament adopt its position at first reading by taking over the Commission's proposal.

As a reminder, the Commission proposes to continue supporting vulnerable economies in the Western Balkans region by extending the period of application of Regulation (EU) 2024/823 by a further five years, until 31 December 2030.

This extension until 2030 represents therefore a measured, proportionate proposal that balances continuity, accountability and legal certainty. It provides the Western Balkans and economic operators with limited essential market access while maintaining appropriate conditionality mechanisms. Furthermore, the extension aligns with the Commission's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, adopted in November 2023, which emphasises closer integration of the region into the EU's single market.