Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has spoken to European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia and Chair of AFET (European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs) David McAllister about comments and opinions on the draft EP Resolution, activities in the accession process, situation in the region and other topics.
Jadranka Joksimović has confirmed that Serbia is fully committed to continuing the accession process and implementing the reforms aimed at creating a modern state, through the application of European norms and standards. In this context, she has particularly emphasised the importance of reforms in chapters 23 and 24 - in the field of judiciary, fight against crime and corruption, minority rights, media freedom, adding that the Government has accepted and acknowledged all recommendations by the Venice Commission on Constitutional amendments in the field of judiciary and has conducted a transparent and inclusive process of public debate. In addition, the Minister recalled that the Government has adopted the Law on Free Legal Aid and the Law on Personal Data Protection, and that the Law on the Prevention of Corruption is in its final phase of preparation. The Minister has assessed that these are the laws within chapter 23 based on which the decision on opening new chapters is made.
According to the Minister, Serbia expects to open at least three chapters during the Austrian EU Council presidency, which would confirm that Serbia’s efforts in the implementation of reforms are noted and valued.
Regarding Kosovo and Metohija, Jadranka Joksimović has stated that Serbia is committed to finding a compromise and lasting solution, and that unlike Pristina - that has not done anything concerning the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities for five years already, Serbia has fulfilled almost everything that has been agreed in Brussels.
European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia and Chair of AFET (European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs) David McAllister has expressed his belief that members of the European Parliament will adopt the report on Serbia by substantial majority, and that this would reiterate the support to Serbia’s European path, which should also be valorised by the opening of new chapters. He has confirmed that he will continue to support Serbia’s European path, explaining that he believes in Serbia’s sincere commitment to the European integration process. The Rapporteur believes that Serbia is an important factor of the region’s stability. He has further stressed the importance of reforms in chapters 23 and 24, emphasising that the reforms in Serbia have yielded results and that the country has reaffirmed itself as an important and active partner of the EU.
Source: Tanjug
