Brussels, 01/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - In Belgrade on Monday 1 July, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy congratulated Serbia on the opening of the EU accession negotiations - “this important step forwards towards membership” (see EUROPE 10877). However, he called on the country to continue its efforts in its relations with Kosovo and on the reforms against organised crime and corruption.
“This historic moment is the outcome of courageous and far-sighted decisions by the Serbian - and Kosovar - leadership”, he said, stating that “the accession negotiations, as Serbian leaders know well, are no waiting period. The crucial efforts to implement the April agreement and normalise relations with Kosovo must continue.”
Van Rompuy added that Serbia's commitment will determine the pace of the reforms and progress for a better administration. The accession negotiations will also help Belgrade modernise its economy and attract foreign investment. Van Rompuy encouraged the leaders to continue their efforts “notably in the area of the rule of law and the fight against organised crime and corruption”.
Stressing his support for President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and other key Serbian leaders due to the political risks that they have taken “in order to secure a democratic, more prosperous and brighter future for their country, fully within the European Union”, Van Rompuy underlined that “history is made by man. Together we will make history”.
S&D hails European Council decision. On 28 June, the S&D Group at the European Parliament welcomed the decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Serbia. In the opinion of Libor Roucek, “this is a milestone decision for Serbia (…). Having made decisive progress on Kosovo and other vital reforms, Serbia fully deserved to receive a date for the opening of accession negotiations”. He stated that while Serbia's journey towards EU membership is gaining momentum, there is still much to do - in particular “full” implementation of the agreement with Pristina. The shadow rapporteur on Serbia, Maria Eleni Koppa, congratulated “the people of Serbia on their efforts and this success”, stating that the S&D Group is confident that “this level of political commitment will strengthen their reforms, make a success of the Belgrade-Pristina agreements and bring Serbia into the European family”. (CG/transl.fl)