Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic said that Serbia was happy about the European Commission’s Report as it laid foundations for the opening of new chapters. Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi said that the Report should encourage the Government to take a more decisive lead on the EU path.

Ahead of the meeting with EU Member States’ Ambassadors and representatives, Ambassador Fabrizi told the press that the Report concluded there was no progress in freedom of expression, adding, however, that he appreciated Minister Joksimovic’s announcement that the Government would tackle the issue, aware of the freedom of expression as one of the fundamental EU values.

Fabrizi said that the Report proved the Government’s commitment to EU path and added that he supported it in driving the EU integration process further.

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“The Report notes no progress with regard to freedom of expression, but I do appreciate Minister Joksimovic saying that the Government will tackle this issue as it is aware of the importance the EU attaches to it,” Fabrizi said.

According to him, Serbia has made progress in the rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime and justice, but added that further progress in each of those areas is needed.

Commenting on the Pristina dialogue, Fabrizi said that the Report noted Serbia should make more effort to implement previously agreed agreements in order to reach a comprehensive, legally-binding agreement.

In February, the EU published the Western Balkans Strategy which depicted Serbia as a forerunner and gave a timeframe for its accession – 2025.

“That’s not a promise, it’s an encouragement. Therefore, we have to work hard and be committed to attaining the goal,” Fabrizi said and added that 2018 and the coming years will be crucial for Serbia’s EU accession.

Joksimovic: The Report is balanced and positive for Serbia

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Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic described the EC Report as balanced, measured and positive for Serbia as it assessed there was no backsliding in any area.

She described the Report as important as it gave the Member States good arguments to support Serbia in opening additional chapters.

Serbia expects to open another two chapters now that the Report was published, Minister Joksimovic said.

Joksimovic said that the EC Report said Serbia made no progress in the area of freedom of expression and media, adding that the Government will address this issue.

“Things are moving, but there is no progress. We take everything in the Report very seriously,” Joksimovic said during the press conference.

Joksimovic said the Report noted delays in adopting the Law on Anti-Corruption Agency and added that the Government was aware of the delays and would work to make things right.

Some progress was noted when it comes to establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities, she said, adding that the notion came as a surprise for the Serbian side because, as she put it, there was no progress at all.