Serbia opened a new chapter in accession negotiations with the EU on Tuesday, December 10. This is Chapter 4 on the free movement of capital.
"Serbia has made significant progress in the free movement of capital, the secure payment system, the prevention of money laundering or an attractive and healthy business environment", Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi told the press. However, he pointed out that much remained to be done.
With this decision, Belgrade has opened 18 chapters out of 35, two of which are provisionally closed. Serbian Minister Jadranka Joksimović said she would have liked to open more chapters and hoped that several of them could be opened in 2020. "I think more chapters could have been opened, given the progress made in the rule of law", she said.
But Finnish Minister Tytti Tuppurainen, on behalf of the EU Council Presidency, said that the country still faced many problems with regard to the rule of law and fundamental rights. "It is crucial to demonstrate stronger political commitment to rule of law reforms", warned Tuppurainen, who also called for the normalisation of relations with Kosovo.
Presentation of the new methodology in January
Asked about the change in methodology for the EU accession process, the Commissioner announced that he would present his proposal in January. According to him, it will focus on four strengths: credibility with Member States, EU institutions and the Western Balkans, predictability, dynamism and political leadership.
Mr Várhelyi said that this exercise would take place in parallel with Serbia's accession process. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)