EP’s Rapporteur for Serbia David McAllister said that 2018. is a crucial year for Western Balkan because the region is in the EU focus again and it has a chance to make its European perspective a reality.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, McAllister said that he believed that Serbia would use that political momentum in conducting reforms in the areas of rule of law, administration of justice and human rights.
He said that sustained stability required attention focused on cooperation and normalisation of relations in the region.
He emphasized that improvements are required in areas of the rule of law, administration of justice as well as in regards to the normalisation of relations with Kosovo.
“Serbia’s role in the region, especially in regards to the Berlin Process is more than welcome,” said the EP’s Rapporteur, adding that he believed Serbia would have a leadership role in the region.
“The continuation of negotiations is still in Serbia’s hands; we want to see progress in the rule of law and in normalisation of relations with Kosovo.”
McAllister assessed that Serbian economy was good, but the rule of law had to be strengthened in order to attract foreign investors.
McAllister said he was working on a new report; he will present his conclusions on June 12 and September 3, and he expects voting on them to be held in November.
In regard to opening new chapters, McAllister stated he was certain Serbia would be rewarded for its constant progress.
“The EU Parliament does not decide whether or how many chapters will be opened, but I hope that Serbia will be rewarded for its constant progress,” McAllister said.
At the end of his statement, McAllister said: “I believe in Serbia and the capabilities of President Vucic.”
Vucic: We will be ready to talk about compromise
The President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said that it was true there was a lot to be done in regards to the rule of law, adding that an important question of dissatisfaction of a part of the public related to freedom of media was raised and the debate was directed properly.
He said he was grateful on the praise Serbia got for its economy.
“Open as many chapters, as soon as you please, that’s your thing, our job is to make sure our citizens live in a democratic country and that they have better living conditions,” Vucic said and emphasised that relations between Belgrade and Pristina remain a big issue for Serbia.
“We will be ready to talk about a compromise with the Albanians at a moment’s notice, but we expect the Brussels Agreement to be fulfilled,” Vucic said.
