The sixth Stabilisation and Association Council meeting between the EU and Serbia has been held in Brussels today, where the EU delegation was led by EU head of diplomacy Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, while Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović led the Serbian delegation. The meeting confirmed Serbia’s EU perspective, where Serbia’s progress in the reform process was commended, and priority actions within the Stabilisation and Association Agreement were presented.
The joint press statement, announced after the SAC meeting, reiterated commitment to Serbia’s European perspective and welcomes the opening of cluster 4 in December 2021 and Serbia’s ambition to open new clusters based on progress in the implementation of reforms.
“In accordance with the enhanced enlargement methodology, Serbia should focus on the fundamental reforms. Progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights chapters, as well as on the normalisation of Serbia’s relations with Kosovo*, as set out in the Negotiating Framework, continues to be essential and will determine the pace of accession negotiations overall”, reads the joint statement.
It was stressed that recent progress on the rule of law in Serbia has been noticed, and it was agreed that Serbia should continue and deepen reforms in this area, in particular in the key areas of judiciary, fight against corruption and organised crime, media freedom and domestic handling of war crimes.
“They also agreed on the importance of proper functioning of democratic institutions and of strengthening the overall confidence in electoral processes as essential for democracy and rule of law”, reads the joint statement.
The participants of the SAC meeting noted the preliminary results of the referendum on the constitutional amendments and discussed further steps in the rule of law reform in Serbia, in line with EU standards.
Participants agreed on the need for Serbia to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to achieve a comprehensive legally binding agreement which should address key outstanding issues and contribute to regional stability.
“[This] is crucial for both Parties to advance on their respective European paths.” Participants reiterated their strong expectation that all past agreements are fully respected and implemented, with a focus on the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities. They expressed regret for the fact that Pristina did not allow the holding of the referendum on the constitutional amendments, unlike they had done in the past.
The SAC meeting also welcomed Serbia’s active participation and significant contribution to Common Security and Defence Policy military missions and operations and Serbia’s preparations to contribute to civilian missions.
Participants acknowledged that Serbia’s alignment rate with relevant High Representative declarations on behalf of the EU and Council decisions increased in 2021, and agreed on the need for Serbia to further step up its efforts in progressively aligning with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The joint press statement underlined the need for meaningful regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans as essential elements of the enlargement process, including in the handling of war crimes.
Participants agreed on the importance of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and looked forward to Serbia developing an ambitious national energy and climate plan.
Participants supported the Common Regional Market in the Western Balkans and concluded that fully inclusive regional cooperation will remain crucial for taking full advantage of the potential of the region and of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.
Source: Tanjug
