After a meeting with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the European Parliament was continuously supporting EU’s enlargement policy, adding that Serbia appreciates the fact the directly elected EU institution recognises the importance of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans.
At a joint press conference, President Vucic said that “the hardest and the biggest part of the job with Kosovo is still ahead of Serbia, and the EU expects us to reach a legally binding agreement with Pristina that would clear the path for EU membership.”
Speaking about the murder of Oliver Ivanovic, Vucic said that Serbia demanded a vigorous investigation that would bring perpetrators and sponsors to justice.
EP President Tajani said that Serbia is part of Europe. We share common roots and completing the process by becoming a member would be a good thing, he said, noting that before any of that could happen, it is crucial for Serbia to reach a legally binding agreement with Pristina.
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“Serbia is a great country with a great responsibility when it comes to stability of the region. I listened to Aleksandar Vucic speak with much reason and resolve as he protects the interests of his country, looking forward to the future and standing ready to engage in discussion,” Tajani said.
Speaking about Kosovo, he said that “the EU insists on Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and it is of utmost importance that a binding agreement between the two sides is reached prior to joining the EU. There is no doubt about it,” said Tajani, condemning the murder of Oliver Ivanovic.
Tajani said that he and Vucic discussed the rule of law, constitutional reform and media freedom.
“I am certain Serbia will do all it takes in that regard, just as any other European country,“ Tajani concluded.
Dialogue on normalisation of relations with Pristina is the only safe way to achieving stability in the region
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During his visit to Belgrade, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani met with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and National Assembly Speaker Maja Gojkovic.
A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office quotes Brnabic saying she expected the publication of the European Commission’s Enlargement Strategy in early February in Strasbourg to send an encouraging message to Serbia and its citizens.
“It will be a clear signal that European countries see Serbia as an equal member of the Union in the future,” Brnabic said and pointed out that Serbia is ready to open chapters more quickly, bearing in mind that the government had in the past period committed reform implementation, aimed not only at full-fledged EU membership, but also at setting up a mechanism for internal social development.
Brnabic said that regional cooperation and strengthening of relations with neighbours are among Serbia’s foreign policy priorities. She welcomed Bulgarian intention to put more focus on the connectivity between the Western Balkans and the EU and provide a more clear membership perspective for the entire region.
Tajani said that the European Union supported the continuation of dialogue on normalisation of relations with Pristina, as the only safe way to stability in the region.
They agreed that joint efforts should be made toward improving intuitional cooperation between Serbia and the European Parliament, the statement reads.
Tajani: Stable Balkans means stable EU
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Following his meeting with National Assembly Speaker Maja Gojkovic, European President Tajani said that enlargement was back at the top of EU’s priorities, adding that Serbia is making progress in the process of EU integration.
At a joint press conference, Tajani said that the EU recognized and acknowledged Serbia’s progress on the EU path and the fact that Serbia serves as a bridge linking Brussels to other countries.
“The role played by Belgrade is extremely important for the stability in region and we know that stable Balkans means stable EU,” Tajani said.
Speaking about the state of affairs in Kosovo, Tajani stressed that the EU strived for progressive release of tension and continuation of the dialogue.
Bulgarian EU Presidency, he said, is a chance for Brussels to develop its relationship with major Balkan countries further.
Gojkovic said that after a long time enlargement is back on EU’s agenda, thanks to Bulgarian EU Presidency.
“We very much appreciate that the Enlargement Strategy will see the light of day next week,” the Speaker said and added that such an important paper would recognize Serbia’s efforts and commitment to European integration, but also set a possible accession date.
Reflecting on the situation in Kosovo, Gojkovic said that Serbia expected Pristina authorities to show the same commitment to the implementation of Brussels agreement as Serbia, especially when it comes to creation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.
She said that EP President’s visit to Serbia is of consequence for both Serbia and the rest of the countries in the region that have embarked on the accession journey.
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At the end of his visit to Belgrade, EP President Antonio Tajani met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic. A press release issued by the Minister’s Office reads that the two discussed current EU integration-related issues and other regional and foreign policy matters. Minister Dacic thanked Tajani for European Parliament’s continued support for enlargement process and Serbia’s full-fledged EU membership.
