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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia to acquire EU candidate status next year

Belgrade, 18 November 2008

Director of the Serbian government’s EU Integration Office Milica Delevic today stated that as soon as Serbia resolves its problems regarding the Hague tribunal, the EU will not impose any different conditions from those other EU members have had to fulfil.

In an interview to the Vecernje Novosti daily, Delevic pointed out that the EU will strictly assess whether Serbia has fulfilled all its necessary conditions, as the situation in the EU has changed.

Serbia to acquire EU candidate status in 2009:

The fact that Serbia may acquire EU candidate status in 2009, mentioned in the European Commission’s report, is the best proof that the Serbian government has fulfilled its promise regarding speedier EU integration, but it will largely depend on the implementation of necessary reforms.

The greatest obstacles on Serbia’s EU path:

According to the European Commission’s report the greatest obstacles against EU integration are corruption, speedier judicial reform, a more efficient parliament and the continuation of economic reforms. In my opinion political stability, which implies pro-European orientation, is of key importance for EU integration.

On the adoption of EU laws before the end of year:

The Serbian parliament must function in a way to enable the adoption of new laws. The key issue is not whether the parliament adopts laws at all but whether and how these laws will be implemented. Parliament must contribute to speedier EU integration.

How would you assess the European Commission’s report? The fact that Serbia may acquire EU candidate status in 2009 shows that Serbia has made important steps on its EU path, but Serbia still has to make more effort in this respect.

Can a positive Brammertz report change the Netherlands’ stance?

Full cooperation with the Hague tribunal is a precondition for the implementation of the Transitional Trade Agreement and the ratification of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. The Netherlands have a very firm stance regarding the arrest of Ratko Mladic, but the chief prosecutor’s opinion is also of importance. At the Council of Ministers, decisions are made unanimously, therefore all 27 members have to vote for the implementation of the Transitional Trade Agreement.

Will the EU impose any new conditions on Serbia’s EU integration?

The European Commission considers progress according to the conditions established in Copenhagen in 1933 and specified in 1999, when the Stabilization and Association Process was first set up. These conditions are valid for all European countries and will not be altered in any case. Serbia can expect that the EU will be stricter in its case, as the situation in the EU has changed.

Serbia’s advantages over other countries in the region regarding EU integration:

The Stabilisation and Association Process is the EU’s attempt to contribute to the stabilization of the Western Balkans and offer EU integration to all countries of the region. This aim cannot be achieved if Serbia, as an important factor in the peace and stability of the region, does not join the EU.

On Serbia’s inclusion in the Schengen “white list” next year:

According to this year’s report, any country in the region can qualify for the Schengen “white list” next year, if it fulfils the necessary conditions. It is up to the government whether it will fulfil the conditions and enable Serbian citizens to travel without visas.