J. Joksimović and Anttonen: Finland supports a credible enlargement policy

October 18 2018 | Belgrade

J. Joksimović and Anttonen: Finland supports a credible enlargement policy

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has talked with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Matti Anttonen, about the continuation of Serbia’s European integration and the cooperation of the two countries in that process, the results of the reforms being implemented, the situation in the region, bilateral relations and other topics.

Jadranka Joksimović has thanked for the assistance and support that Finland provides to Serbia in the process of European integration. She has informed Anttonen that Serbia is committed to EU accession, and that the EU membership is a strategic foreign and political interest of Serbia.

The Minister has underlined Serbia’s clear determination to modernise the state and society through reforms and implementation of European values. She has particularly emphasised the importance of the reforms in Chapters 23 and 24 related to judiciary, the fight against crime and corruption, minority rights, and media freedoms. Jadranka Joksimović has noted that the Government has accepted and acknowledged all recommendations of the Venice Commission on Constitutional amendments in the field of judiciary, and that it has conducted a transparent and inclusive public debate process.

"During the Austrian Presidency we expect to open certain chapters for which we have been ready for some time," Joksimović has said. She has informed Anttonen that Serbia has completed the procedure for two more chapters that will be submitted to the EC, which means that Serbia will have seven negotiating positions prepared. Therefore, the Minister has expressed her hope that Serbia will open at least three chapters by the end of the year. By doing so, the EU would confirm that it acknowledges and appreciates the results achieved through the reforms. 

“Finland will continue to support the European path of Serbia, which has shown that it is a credible candidate for admission into the EU,” said State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland Matti Anttonen. He has commended the results of economic reforms, and pointed to the need for their continuation in the area of the rule of law and economy.

Anttonen has said that the experience of the Nordic region, which also had its historically inherited problems, has shown that common interests and cooperation can lead to sustainable peace and prosperity.

He has said that Helsinki is committed to EU enlargement, i.e. to the European perspective of the Western Balkans, as this will ensure long-term stability of the region. In this context, he has emphasised the important role of Serbia, which, apart from insisting on the stability of the region, has proved to be a reliable and active partner to the EU in addressing the challenges that Europe is facing.

Joksimović has informed Anttonen of a stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, caused by Pristina’s inaction, especially with regard to the establishment of the CSM. She has stressed that the EU and the Member States should support solutions reached through mutual agreement and compromise.

Jadranka Joksimović and Matti Anttonen have agreed that there is a possibility for strengthening bilateral relations, which they have found to be developing to mutual satisfaction. 

(Source: Tanjug)

Састанак министра Јадранке Јоксимовић са Матијем Антоненом  Састанак министра Јадранке Јоксимовић са Матијем Антоненом

 

Састанак министра Јадранке Јоксимовић са Матијем Антоненом  Састанак министра Јадранке Јоксимовић са Матијем Антоненом