Brussels, 10/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 November, the European Commission said that Serbia had continued to make progress since October 2014 concerning the political and economic criteria. It also said that the Serbian government had remained actively engaged in reaching its strategic objective of EU accession.
In its progress report of 10 November, the Commission says that Serbia has achieved the full action plans needed for opening negotiation Chapter 23 (judicial apparatus and fundamental rights) and 24 (freedom, security and justice) and concluded key agreements with Kosovo as part of the process of normalising relations (dealt with under Chapter 35). During his presentation at the European Parliament, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said that the first negotiation chapters could be opened before the end of the year.
However, the Commission says that Serbia must “consolidate and further sustain its economic and structural reforms agenda, including on public administration reform and economic governance”. Belgrade must also enhance credibility and predictability of the rule of law, “including the full exercise of freedom of expression”, the Commission states. Progress must be made on judicial reform and the fight against corruption and organised crime. “Systematic efforts are needed to improve, promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable and discriminated persons”, the Commission says.
Serbia must continue its commitment to regional cooperation and remain committed to the normalisation of relations with Kosovo “through continuous implementation in good faith of all agreements reached in the dialogue”.
Recalling the migration pressure that the country is facing, the report states that it is crucial for Serbia to improve its asylum system and further strengthen its reception capacity. The country must continue its efforts to contain the rise in unfounded asylum requests made by Serbian nationals to the EU and countries in the Schengen area - “with a view to preserving the visa exemption regime”, the Commission adds.
As regards economic issues, Belgrade is only “moderately prepared in developing a functioning market economy” and must continue its economic reforms. The country must improve its education system, stimulate private investment and accelerate the implementation of public infrastructure projects. Serbia is progressing in the implementation of its obligations under the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)