European Union (EU) remains highly committed to enlargement and my team has a task to assist in and support Serbia’s efforts on the EU integration path, not only in 2015, but in coming years as well, said Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport in the New Year interview with FoNet news agency.
I believe 2014 was very important in terms of Serbian EU integration, Davenport said and reminded about the formation of new Serbian Government which set European integration and EU membership as priority goals.
We, as the EU, highly welcome these decisions, Davenport said, adding that he referred to the fact that the new Government had adopted a series of important decisions and laws, such as Labour Law, Bankruptcy and Privatisation Laws, new Law on Planning and Construction and a set of media laws.
As the EU Delegation and European Commission in Brussels, we worked closely with the Government, Serbian European Integration Office, National Assembly and, under the new National Convent, we were involved in drafting of these documents and their alignment with European legislation, Davenport said.
As far as the new year goes, Davenport thinks it would be the year of preparation and implementation of present laws and action plans within the process of European integration.
I think everyone should get down to work on implementation of these highly important laws, Davenport said, adding that he making of tough decisions regarding restructuring of public enterprises were positive.
As the EU, Davenport explained, our task is to provide assistance to and support Serbian reform path, not only by providing political, but material support as well.
Davenport said that over the course of the last year, EU placed a great deal of attention on removing the catastrophic consequences of May floods, adding that programmes concerning preventive measures for future disasters would continue in 2015.
We will support Government’s highly important measures concerning fiscal consolidation within budget and agreement made with International Monetary Fund, Davenport said, adding that serious measures should be undertaken in terms of economy stimulation and business environment improvement.
I would also like to see the Bar dispute settled. We are having serious talks and working closely with Serbian Government, but as long as courts are not operational, not functional, as long as the strike goes on, we can hardly talk about implementation, Davenport warned.
Lawyers’ strike causes much damage to citizens and economy, says Davenport, who wishes to see a satisfactory solution found.
He pointed out that the new European Commission and its President Jean-Claude Juncker were also committed to process of Union’s enlargement.
