President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker talked today with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic about the adoption of Enlargement Strategy and Serbia’s steps on the EU path.
EC President Juncker reiterated that it is important to move forward with resolving bilateral issues through dialogue with neighbors, not for the sake of EU membership, but because it is of tremendous importance for the citizens of Serbia and the region, reads a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Juncker welcomed the continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and said he expected both sides to play active and responsible roles in the implementation of commitments foreseen by agreements.
The fact that the region is back in the focus of the Union is encouraging, Prime Minister Brnabic said, describing in same terms the message conveyed by the Enlargement Strategy.
Upcoming summits dedicated to the Western Balkans, in Sofia and London, the latter being held within the Berlin Process, are important, she said.
Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic, who also took part in the meeting, said she appreciated new rhetoric and the push Juncker gave to enlargement policy and the fact that he recognised Serbia as the most likely candidate for EU membership.
She stressed that Serbia would remain committed to implementing reforms in order to turn the accession timeline into reality.
They underlined the importance of taking on the Multi-Annual Action Plan for the Regional Economic Area of the Western Balkans, which was adopted at the Trieste Summit.
The Government statement cited Juncker saying that in the coming period, the goal will be to step up support for economic development and cooperation within the region as well as to help the region improve its infrastructure connectivity.
