Strasbourg, 18/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 18 April, the European Parliament stated that it was firmly convinced that the date of June 2013 is a realistic objective for the beginning of Serbia's accession negotiations, and they urged Serbia to continue its democratic, systemic and socio-economic reforms.
The adopted resolution, which was drafted by Jelko Kacin (ALDE, Slovenia), underlines that it will be possible to open these negotiations as soon the key priorities meet with a satisfactory response and the reform process is continued. The Parliament considers that an early start to the accession negotiations on Chapters 23 (judicial apparatus and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security) would have positive implications on the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as on reform of the rule of law.
MEPs call for the agreements concluded as part of the dialogue with Kosovo to be fully implemented and look forward to the achievement of progress in other areas. They call for the parallel institutions in north Kosovo to be dismantled and for the territorial integrity of Kosovo to be respected.
While noting Belgrade's progress, MEPs urge the Serbian government to commit unreservedly to the adoption of reforms - particularly those linked to justice (including improving the efficiency and independence of the judicial system), to public administration, to the fight against corruption and organised crime, to freedom of the media, and to the protection of all minorities (Roma, Bulgarian, LGBT). They also call for efforts in reforming the structural economy, linked to improving the business environment, the fight against unemployment and the sustainable management of natural resources.
MEPs also stress the importance of good neighbourly relations and welcome Serbia's cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. In addition, they express their concern at the repeated allegations of police violence and the abuse of power. The Parliament takes note of the good operation of the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA) in Serbia. (CG/transl.fl)