The EU Information Centre in Belgrade has just published on its website the brochure “Negotiation Chapters – 35 Steps towards the EU”.

The brochure is available at europa.rs/eng/publications/.

Ambassador Michael Davenport, the Head of Delegation of the EU to the Republic of Serbia, said in the foreword to the brochure:

“The publication of this booklet coincides with the first Intergovernmental Conference between the EU and Serbia on 21 January 2014, formally marking the beginning of accession negotiations. These negotiations determine how and when Serbia will adopt the EU acquis communautaire (the cumulative body of EU law) so that it can join the EU. I hope this brochure will help you to navigate the world of negotiations and acquis, which will be of great importance to Serbian citizens from now on.

A new chapter is now opening in the historic process of peacefully unifying the European continent. A stable, modern, democratic and prosperous Serbia inside the European Union is an objective which should unite us all.

The negotiations are fair and rigorous. Serbia will be able to show its commitment to our shared values, policies and standards, as well as to the rule of law and respect for equality and fundamental rights. The EU and its Member States will continue to provide financial assistance to help Serbia prepare for assuming and effectively implementing the obligations of membership.

There is a lot of work ahead for all of us. I count on the support of the Serbian authorities, citizens and civil society to throw all their weight behind the necessary changes and reforms – thereby making a success of Serbia’s European project”.