Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has talked today with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod about Serbia’s accession to the European Union, as well as about bilateral relations and the situation in the region regarding the realisation of the EU enlargement policy.
Joksimović has said that the implementation of the EU enlargement policy completes the project of integrating Europe, stressing that Serbia readily accepted the new methodology under which the enlargement policy is now being realised.
“The Serbian Government is demonstrating responsibility and preparedness in conducting serious reforms in line with the revised way of negotiations, accepting the new obligations arising therefrom. The proof of our readiness is the fact that we have met all benchmarks the European Commission set for the opening of two clusters, Cluster 3 – Inclusive growth and competitiveness, and Cluster 4 – Green Agenda, digitalisation and sustainable connectivity, which cover a total of 12 chapters”, said the Minister.
Joksimović has said that Serbian institutions are working fast on achieving progress in the rule of law area.
She has particularly informed the Danish minister about the current constitutional reform aimed at strengthening judicial independence, as well as about the implementation of the media strategy, inter-party dialogue on electoral conditions, and other elements regarding the implementation of the Action Plan for chapter 23.
The Minister has expressed her expectation that EU member states will acknowledge everything that Serbia additionally accomplishes by the end of the year and that Serbia will have an opportunity to open at least one cluster at the following Intergovernmental Conference.
“In this way, the region would get a positive signal that the EU enlargement policy is credible and in the interest of everyone both in the EU and the Western Balkans”, stated Joksimović.
Minister Kofod has emphasised that Denmark supports Serbia’s European path, adding that it particularly follows the reforms in the rule of law and democratisation of society, as well as Serbia’s significant economic progress and the way it successfully deals with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has added that Denmark highly appreciates Serbia’s readiness to accept the revised enlargement methodology, and that it will closely review everything Serbia achieves in the EU accession process until the holding of the new Intergovernmental Conference by the end of the year.
Source: Tanjug
