The Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, met with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, with whom he discussed the European Commission’s Report on Serbia’s progress in the European integration process, the dynamics of accession negotiations between Serbia and the EU and further cooperation.
Ambassador Giaufret reiterated during the meeting that the Report was an honest and factual assessment of Serbia’s EU integration efforts providing guidance for further necessary action. The Report acknowledged Serbia’s renewed commitment to delivering on the EU reform agenda, which is reflected in the increased number of initiatives of the government to fulfil EU criteria in the past period.
President Vučić expressed his satisfaction with the fact that EC Report is objective and shows, through an analysis of relevant aspects, Serbia’s progress in all areas as well as those segments requiring additional work.
The interlocutors agreed that the support of the EU and its institutions is of great importance in this process, bearing in mind that Serbia is honestly committed to its European perspective.
The President particularly emphasised that fully-fledged EU membership remains one of the foreign policy priorities for Serbia, and expressed his conviction that this Report will serve largely as an additional stimulus to continue the reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law and green agenda.
Ambassador Giaufret stated that these initiatives have the potential to translate into a tangible progress once they have been fully implemented, mentioning as examples the finalisation of the constitutional reform in line with Venice Commission recommendations and implementation of the electoral reform in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and measures defined in IPD.
The Ambassador reaffirmed to the President Vučić EU full support to Serbia’s reform efforts adding that he looked forward to continue the cooperation to address open and outstanding issues as the EU will continue close monitoring on the rule of law situation in Serbia which was crucial for further progress on the EU integration path.
President Vučić and Ambassador Giaufret also discussed improvement of cooperation, regional issues, economic relations and infrastructure projects.
