In a meeting with the EP Rapporteur for Serbia David McAllister, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that the macroeconomic stability, public administration reform and the rule of law were the pillars of Serbia’s long-term development and not mere conditions for a full-fledged EU membership.

Brnabic said that comprehensive reforms were primarily in the interest of the citizens of Serbia, reads a statement from the Serbian Government.

I expect the European Parliament’s progress report on Serbia, due in late November, to be positive, she said, adding that she is aware of the work that needs to be done in order to make progress in the area of rule of law and chapters 23 and 24.

The Prime Minister said the Government was committed to justice reform and that the final version of constitutional amendments, in line with the suggestions of the Venice Commission, would soon enter the parliamentary procedure.

The officials stressed that the commitment to Belgrade-Pristina negotiations was crucial for further progress and stability of Serbia and the region, expressing a strong belief that the dialogue will continue with a view to finding a lasting and sustainable solution.

EP Rapporteur commended Serbia’s progress and the efforts made by the Government with regard to key reforms.

McAllister said that, when it comes to economic reform, Serbia was the leader in the region, and praised the Government’s commitment to launch a dialogue with the civil sector, and media and journalist associations.

As he put it, it is important to encourage Serbia on its EU path and provide support in all areas where there is room for improvement.

With 14 chapters opened, he said, Serbia is on the right track, adding that he will insist on opening as many chapters as possible at the forthcoming Serbia-EU Intergovernmental Conference, a Government press release reads.