Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović says that the new Government of Serbia has defined the reforms aimed at Serbia’s faster accession to the EU as one of its essential goals.
“This is a reform Government, determined to enhance the rule of law in line with EU recommendations, economic growth, and infrastructure, to enable the creation of new jobs, and this is where the EU’s support is crucial for us”, stressed Joksimović during her meeting with Sem Fabrizi, the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.
According to the MEI press release, Joksimović has underlined that the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference by the end of the year would be another important signal that EU member states acknowledge Serbia’s responsible policy, conducted in line with EU recommendations.
Fabrizi has conveyed that now is the time to move forward and accelerate the EU agenda with determination.
Joksimović and Fabrizi have discussed activities in Serbia’s EU accession process and the implementation of development assistance aimed at Serbia’s socio-economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and at faster economic approximation to the Union.
Fabrizi has congratulated Minister Joksimović on her re-election, confirming the continuation of support to the enlargement process and Serbia’s agenda of necessary reforms.
Fabrizi has delivered the Minister a joint letter of congratulations from Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement.
Among other things, the letter emphasised the need for the continuation of reforms in the area of the rule of law.
Along with the normalisation of relations with Pristina, the rule of law agenda determines the general pace of accession negotiations.
The letter also stresses the unique opportunity offered by the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which the European Commission adopted in order to encourage long-term recovery and economic growth. Joksimović has said that she is grateful to the EU which, by initiating the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, enabled those reforms to be supported by significant financial development assistance.
“In this way, the EU is supporting the Government’s strong commitment to taking all important steps to improve the life of our citizens in various areas – from a more quality environment, better public administration, better roads, to greater economic growth”, stressed Joksimović.
The Minister and the Ambassador have also discussed the upcoming priorities of the Government on Serbia’s road to the EU and the important coordinating role of the Ministry of European Integration.
In addition, they have discussed the need for a greater inclusion of the civil society, while Joksimović stressed that this is precisely the reason why the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue has been established within the new Government.
They have also talked about the important role of EU assistance, particularly through IPA funds, for which Minister Joksimović is the National Coordinator.
Fabrizi has stated that assistance within the new IPA III package (2021–2027) will require a more intensive cooperation, taking into account the priorities established in the Economic and Investment Plan.
The Minster has expressed her gratitude for the close partnership which makes the EU the biggest trade partner and investor, as well as the main donor.
Joksimović has particularly thanked the Union for its continuous support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The interlocutors have agreed to intensify communication and the promotion of the partnership and friendship between Serbia and the EU.
Source: Tanjug
