Opening chapters 23 and 24 "vital for reforms"

Opening chapters 23 and 24 "vital for reforms"

"The rule of law is a pre-requisite for everything - for the protection of basic rights and the development of business environment and attraction of investments. That is the reason why much of our efforts are focused on these chapters," Miščević underscored.

Asked whether the talks on Chapters 23 and 24 will begin by the end of the year, Miščević said that Serbia will strive to make it happen.

"We are expecting the first reports from the completed screenings, and only after that it will be possible to set some timeline. Of course, we are trying to open some new chapters during Greece's EU Presidency," Miščević said.

Greece is holding the EU Presidency in the first half of 2014.

There has been no delay in setting up Serbia's core negotiating team, she said, adding that it will be made straight after the formation of a new government.

This government-appointed team will comprise experts who will coordinate the talks on specific chapters, or clustered chapters, Miščević said.

The new Serbian government, led by future PM Aleksandar Vučić, is due to be elected on April 27, following the early parliamentary elections that were held on March 16.

Miščević noted that Vučić's announcement that the Serbian government will hold a meeting dedicated to EU integration every two weeks is "an excellent measure that will keep the attention of ministries and the Serbian public on results in the accession process".