J. Joksimović: Opening of new chapters will be a confirmation of Serbia's progress

November 16 2018 | Belgrade

J. Joksimović: Opening of new chapters will be a confirmation of Serbia's progress

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has stated today that, in addition to the rule of law, Serbia has worked intensively on the preparation of other negotiating positions regarding vital reform areas. Following a meeting with the ambassadors of EU Member States, Joksimović has said that it is important that the Member States note progress by providing consent for the opening of new chapters.
“With the overall analysis of what we have done under chapters 23 and 24, particularly in the second half of the year, I believe that there are enough elements and steps that will prove sufficient for the Member States to support the opening of new chapters by the end of the year”, stated Joksimović.

She has emphasised that Serbia expects the opening of three chapters by the end of Austria’s presidency and that anything else would not realistically reflect the progress Serbia has achieved so far.
“We will see how the debate will take place at the level of EU institutions and Member States. In any case, we have been diligent”, stressed the Minister.

Joksimović has stated that Serbia does not aim at solely opening the chapters in the negotiation process, adding that only after the opening do the reforms by specific areas and chapters begin.
“Therefore, this is a crucial step towards implementing reforms and I expect the Member States will give a positive signal reflecting their recognition of the progress Serbia has achieved and that we will open several new chapters by the end of the year; however, let us not make bids on this issue now, it is important that new chapters are being opened”, said Joksimović.

She has noted that at today's meeting they informed the representatives of the Member States that seven negotiating positions have been prepared, namely for Chapter 9 - Financial services, Chapter 18 - Statistics, Chapter 17 - Economic and monetary policy, Chapter 2 on freedom of movement for workers, Chapter 4 - Free movement of capital, Chapter 14 - Transport policy and Chapter 21 - Trans-European networks.

Commenting on today's meeting, Joksimović has said that it was held precisely at the moment when the Member States are analysing an unofficial document prepared for them by the European Commission regarding steps that have been taken and achievements reached in the implementation of objectives under chapters 23 and 24, primarily concerning the rule of law.

Source: Tanjug

 

 

 

 

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