Brussels, 09/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 October, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle announced that Serbia is to continue achieving its reform priorities. He stated that the pace of Serbia's EU accession negotiations would depend on progress in key domains, especially on the rule of law and the normalisation process with Kosovo.
“It is (…) crucial for Serbia to continue its commitment to regional cooperation and normalisation of relations with Kosovo”, the European Commission states in its progress report, saying that new momentum should be generated in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
In order to support the reform process, Serbia should improve its planning, coordination and follow up of the implementation of new legislation and policies, the Commission states. While Serbia has made progress in reforming its judicial authority, continued efforts are needed to ensure a judicial system that is independent and effective, the Commission adds. Similarly, corruption remains endemic in numerous areas. Serbia needs concrete results on the fight against corruption and organised crime, the Commission continues, underlining that fundamental rights must be fully respected in practice, including the protection of the most vulnerable groups. The Commission is concerned about the worsening of freedom of expression.
Economic reforms are also essential to generate growth and fight against unemployment, the Commission states. In addition, it underscores that constitutional reforms from the start of the new legislature would represent decisive progress in the accession negotiations.
Serbia should step up its efforts on alignment with the acquis communautaire, particularly in the areas of energy and foreign policy, the Commission concludes. (CG)