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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Joksimovic, senators from France on European integration of Serbia

Belgrade, 21 May 2018

Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic today spoke with a delegation of the Senate of France for European Affairs on the messages of last week's Summit in Sofia, the process of European integration of Serbia, the reforms that are being implemented, relations of the two states and the situation in the region.

Joksimovic thanked France for the renewed interest in Serbia and the assistance and support it provides us in the process of European integration.

She pointed out that EU membership is a strategic foreign-political commitment of Serbia, that European integration is the best mechanism for the overall development of the state and that reforms are in the function of higher standards and better living of citizens.

The Minister for European Integration met the French senators with previous activities and plans of Serbia in the continuation of the accession process.

Joksimovic reminded that we have opened 12 chapters – of which two are temporarily closed, and that we are ready to open another five: 33 – on financial and budgetary provisions, 9 – on financial services, 13 – on fisheries, 18 – on statistics and 17 – on economic and monetary union.

She expressed the expectation that at least two or three chapters will be opened during Bulgaria's presidency of the EU Council.

The members of the Senate for European Affairs Committee stressed that France will continue to support the European path of Serbia, which, as she said, proved to be a constructive partner of the EU and a contributing factor to stability, both regionally and beyond.

They noted that the reforms in the field of rule of law are the most important, and that they should be deepened.

Senators from France also stressed that after their visit to Serbia, they will prepare a report to be presented to members of the French Senate, in which they believe a generally positive tone will prevail.

They emphasised that it is important that we work together to explain and demonstrate the importance of enlargement to both EU citizens and citizens of Serbia.

The officials also confirmed that the relations between the two countries are good and that they have the capacity for their further development and strengthening, according to a statement by the Office of the Minister for European Integration.