European Parliament adopts resolution on Serbia

European Parliament adopts resolution on Serbia

The resolution, drafted by EP Rapporteur for Serbia David McAllister, urges Belgrade and Pristina to implement the deals reached so far in full and timely and notes this is important for Serbia's advancement along the EU path.

The EP calls on Serbia to tackle decisively the systemic and socio-economic reforms, ensure the work of judges and prosecutors is free of political influence and step up efforts in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

The document welcomes the opening of chapters 32 and 35 and Serbia's commitment to European integration, as well as measures by which Serbia prepares for membership talks with the EU and action plans for chapters 23 and 24, relating to fundamental rights.

It expresses the hope that chapters 23 and 24 could be opened as early as 2016, since they are crucial for reforms in the judiciary.

The document stresses that negotiations on chapter 35, which includes normalization of relations with Pristina, is essential for Serbia's progress towards the EU and that a full normalization of relations is an important condition for Serbia's entry into the Union.

It welcomes the commitment of Serbia to normalize relations with Kosovo and underlines the will of Belgrade to fully implement the agreements the Community of Serb Municipalities, telecommunications, energy and the bridge in Kosovska Mitrovica.

Belgrade and Pristina are also urged to refrain from negative rhetoric and make progress in the full implementation of the agreements they already reached.

The efforts of chambers of commerce of Serbia and Kosovo to normalize relations are also welcomed.

The resolution expresses the hope that the failure of Kosovo's candidacy for membership in UNESCO will not jeopardize dialogue.

MEPs also addressed the need for Serbia to make a greater effort and progressively align its foreign and security policy with EU policy, including the relationship with Russia, and state that joint exercises between Russia and Serbia are regrettable.

The document also stresses the importance of a constructive approach to regional cooperation of the Serbian government and highlights the constructive role of the country in the Berlin Process.

Serbia is praised for a constructive approach to solving the migrant crisis, with the resolution adding that the Serbia is an EU partner of essential importance and assistance in the Balkans, and that it is thus necessary that the EU provides funds and adequate financial aid. The country is also called on to increase its capacities for reception of migrants.

EU parliamentarians welcome the adoption of the labor law, the reduction of the budget deficit and improving the business environment, and encourage Serbian authorities to improve the investment climate and reduce differences between different parts of Serbia.

Authorities are also called upon to ensure the protection of foreign investments and, with the recognition that there is progress in the restructuring of public enterprises, emphasizes the importance of transparency in the privatization process.

The resolution emphasizes that the judiciary must be independent of political influence.

It added that corruption and organized crime are widespread in the region as well and an obstacle to the democratic, social and economic development of Serbia.

The resolution states that progress is being made in the fight against corruption, but that this still needs more work.

It also stresses the importance of civil society organizations.

Authorities are also called upon to provide full political and administrative support to the ombudsman and to refrain from the ombudsman being exposed to unjustified criticism.

The document welcomes the adequate legal and institutional framework for the protection of human rights and freedoms, but notes that there are still shortcomings in relation to the implementation, especially with regard to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, members of the LGBT population.

Serbia is encouraged also to promptly adopt a law on national minorities, and to make concrete steps to improve the position of the Roma.

MEPs expressed their concern that there has been no progress in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of the media and noted with concern the constant political pressure that undermines the freedom of the media leading to the increasing self-censorship.