J. Joksimović and French senators: Serbia – constructive partner of the EU

June 14 2019 | Belgrade

J. Joksimović and French senators: Serbia – constructive partner of the EU

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has met with the delegation of the French Parliament led by Jacques Maire. They have discussed the European Commission Report, Serbia’s European integration and the two countries’ cooperation in this process, results of the reforms, situation in the region, bilateral relations and other topics.

Joksimović has expressed her gratitude for the help and support France has been providing to Serbian in the accession process. She has emphasised that Serbia is clearly committed to implementing reforms that modernise the state and the society through the application of European norms and values. In that sense, she has particularly underlined reforms in the area of the rule of law.

Regarding the European Commission Progress Report, the Minister has assessed that Serbia has done more than it was noted therein. She has added that Serbia will acknowledge and apply the recommendations with the utmost seriousness and that the generally positive report confirmed a clear reform commitment of the country. Therefore, she expects that by the end of the month, when the Romanian EU Council presidency ends, Serbia will open at least two out of five chapters for which it is technically prepared.

Jadranka Joksimović has also emphasised that Belgrade is ready to continue the dialogue as soon as Pristina abolishes the decision on introducing illegitimate taxes on goods from Central Serbia. She has further reiterated that Belgrade is committed to talks for the purpose of finding a sustainable and compromise solution, but that the other side, unlike Serbia, has not fulfilled any obligations taken under the Brussels Agreement. The Minister has also confirmed that Serbia advocates stability of the region, which is a prerequisite for peace, cooperation and development.

Representatives of the French Parliament have noted that Serbia has reaffirmed itself as an important factor of regional stability and cooperation, adding that it has proven to be a reliable and constructive partner of the EU. They have stated that France will continue to support the reforms, which according to them are yielding results but should also be intensified.

Joksimović has stressed that Serbia expects the enlargement policy to be recognised as part of the EU leadership capacities and advantages for strengthening its role at the global scene, and not as a problem and burden for the EU.

The interlocutors have agreed that the traditionally good and friendly relations between the two countries are developing at mutual satisfaction, which is also reflected in economic relations – confirmed by French investments into the Serbian economy, adding that there is interest in developing them further.

Joksimović and the French Parliament members have also discussed the importance of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Serbia that is planned for the following month.

Source: Tanjug