Brussels, 04/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - While welcoming the opening of the first chapters of accession talks between the European Union and Serbia, the European Parliament in a resolution drafted by David McAllister (EPP, Germany) Thursday 4 February, called on Belgrade to “tackle decisively the systemic and socio-economic reforms”.
Thorough negotiation of chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security) is “essential to address the reforms that have to be carried out and implemented in the areas of judiciary and fundamental rights and of justice, freedom and security”, say MEPs.
There should be no political interference in the work of judges and prosecutors, or in the media and public administration needs to be “depoliticised” and professionalised, Parliament states. “Corruption and organised crime are widespread in the region and also represent an obstacle to Serbia's democratic, social and economic development”, it adds. While progress has been made in this area, Serbia has to step up its efforts, in the view of MEPs.
Parliament says, too, that negotiation of chapter 35 on normalising relations with Kosovo is “of crucial importance for Serbia's progress on its path towards EU integration”. “Full normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is an important condition for Serbia's accession to the EU”, MEPs indicate. They call on both parties to refrain from negative rhetoric, to implement fully all the agreements already reached and to identify new areas of discussion for the dialogue to fully normalise relations.
Parliament calls on Belgrade to progressively align its foreign and security policy with that of the EU, “including its policy on Russia”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)