Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has spoken with German Member of the Bundestag Peter Beyer about the European integration of Serbia and the continuation of mutual cooperation in that process, the results of the reforms that are being implemented during the accession negotiations, the situation in the region, and bilateral relations.
“Serbia is clearly committed to continuing the European integration process,” Jadranka Joksimović has said, stressing that the state and society will be modernized during the process of European integration and through the implementation of reforms. In that sense, she has pointed out that attention is paid to the reforms in chapters 23 and 24 - judiciary, fight against crime and corruption, minority rights, and media freedoms.
The Minister has recalled that the Government has accepted and acknowledged all recommendations of the Venice Commission on Constitutional Amendments in the field of judiciary, and conducted a transparent and inclusive public debate process. In addition, the Government has adopted the Law on Free Legal Aid and the Law on Personal Data Protection, while the Law on Prevention of Corruption is in the final stages of preparation. The Minister has said that this is an important set of laws under Chapter 23, which is crucial for the Member States that, based on progress achieved in these areas, decide on the opening of new chapters.
Joksimović has expressed her expectation that Serbia will open at least three chapters for which it is prepared at the technical level by the end of the year, i.e. by the end of Austrian EU Council presidency. She has informed Beyer that negotiating positions have been prepared for seven chapters. By opening chapters, the EU would, in her opinion, confirm that it notes and appreciates the efforts and results achieved in reforming the country.
With regard to Kosovo and Metohija, Jadranka Joksimović has pointed out that Serbia is committed to finding and establishing a compromise and sustainable solution for Kosovo and Metohija. She has particularly stressed the fact that Belgrade, unlike Pristina - which has done nothing to implement its key obligation to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities for five years now - has fulfilled almost everything that was agreed in Brussels.
The Minister has expressed her belief that it would be very important that every solution reached through dialogue is supported by the EU countries.
“Germany will continue to support the process of European integration of Serbia,” the German parliamentarian has said, stressing that the progress made in the reforms and the fulfilment of the criteria will be important indicators for deciding on the opening of new chapters. Beyer has particularly stressed the importance of economic reforms and a stable macroeconomic environment, and has noted that Serbia, with its commitment to the stability of the region - which also affects the stability of the EU, with its attitude towards the European integration process and the results of reforms, has shown to be a serious candidate for EU membership. He has also pointed out that Serbia, with its constructive approach to the migrant crisis, terrorism and other issues important for the EU, has proven to be a significant and reliable partner of the EU.
The member of Bundestag has stressed that he was acquainted with the views and expectations of both Belgrade and Pristina regarding the dialogue which, as he has emphasized, must restore credibility by both sides fulfilling their undertaken obligations.
At the meeting, it has been assessed that relations between the two countries are at a high level, that there is mutual commitment to strengthening overall cooperation, that Germany is an important economic and political partner of Serbia and that it provides significant support in the process of European integration. In expressing her gratitude, the Minister has stressed that Germany has allocated more than EUR 1.6 billion in grants for numerous development projects in Serbia over the last 15 years.
Source: Tanjug
