EP rapporteur now "expects opening of chapters"

EP rapporteur now "expects opening of chapters"

The EU should encourage the Serbian government to take further steps to improve the investment climate, reduce unemployment and implement fiscal consolidation measures.

McAllister "welcomed the efforts Belgrade was making in the process of normalization of relations with Pristina, but expressed regret that it had not joined the sanctions against Russia," saying that "the rules were clear and Serbia should align its foreign policy with that of the EU."

During its chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, McAllister said, "Serbia should take advantage of its strong ties with Russia to assist efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine."

"Ready in six to seven years"

Serbia’s Minister with Portfolio in charge of European integration Jadranka Joksimovic welcomed on Wednesday’s adoption in the European Parliament (EP) of a resolution on Serbia’s progress in European integration.

Joksimovic told Tanjug that the resolution was very balanced, making recommendations to open EU accession negotiations chapters during the current year, and supporting Serbia's efforts to step up the European integration process through reforms.

"I can tell that everybody has the impression that Serbia is the most serious candidate for membership and that they are supporting our economic reforms, political stabilization, and efforts to strengthen institutions and regional cooperation," said Joksimovic.

While "sharing Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's optimism that Serbia will become the 29th member of the EU," she said that she could give any specific date for that, "considering that the European Commission president said no new members would admitted to the EU in thenext five years."

"We know that realistically, five years would not be enough time for us to meet all the requirements, but in six to seven years, Serbia will be ready," said Joksimovic.