The EU High Representative for foreign and security policy Catherine Ashton said during the visit to Belgrade that Serbia’s new government and parliament should pursue reforms that are key for country’s further integration into the EU as well as to implement agreement with Pristina on normalisation of ties.
“It is wonderful to see Serbia on its journey to joining the European Union. And the strength of commitment of every one that I have met – not just in government but outside – to that journey is what is going to guarantee success, I hope, in good time,” Ashton said after meeting President Tomislav Nikolić, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and his Deputy and Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dačić.
“I am delighted that Serbia is making the first steps on the journey to becoming a member of the European Union. It’s not an easy process as any country who has already made the journey will tell you. But it is a journey that none of them ever will regret,” she said.
Ashton also met the Speaker of the parliament Maja Gojković and addressed the newly elected Serbian assembly, saying that “Serbia has had to overcome many obstacles in setting itself on a steady course towards EU membership.”
“This government and this parliament will need to take forward the essential reforms for Serbia in the coming months and years ahead. These reforms will be crucial – for ensuring the prosperity of the country and for its progress towards the European Union,” she said.
The High Representative stressed that “comprehensive normalisation of relations with Pristina is also a key element of the accession process, building on the agreement of April last year and continuing with its implementation.”
Asthon reiterated that the European Union “will support you, stand by you and look forward to welcoming you as a member of the family.”
Apart from being a EU candidate country, Serbia is also an important political partner, Ashton said, adding that it is expected to play a “greater role in fostering inclusive and effective regional ties.”
“For example, you can make an important contribution in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina break out from its current political stalemate,” Ashton said.
Speaking about accession process, Ashton stressed the importance to focus on the values and principles the EU has been built on, including fundamental rights and freedomof expression.
“At the heart of the accession process is the rule of law. Progress here determines the speed of the accession process as a whole. It secures full respect for fundamental values and underpins a truly democratic society,” Ashton told Serbian MPs.
A key emphasis should also be put on economic governance too, as well as competitiveness and growth, to ensure a sustainable recovery, the High Representative said.
“These economic reforms should help Serbia too, to meet the economic accession criteria, converge with the EU economy, and bring about jobs and better social conditions for all parts of society,” Ashton said.
Ashton’s full remarks after meeting with Prime Minister Vučić
