Slovak EU official addresses Belgrade forum

BELGRADE EU Special Representative and Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister Miroslav Lajcak is this Friday visiting Serbia. He will hold meetings with Serbian officials, and is also participating in the 2nd Belgrade Security Forum. Slovak EU official addresses Belgrade forum Addressing the forum, Lajcak said there were "no better and more positive prospects for Western Balkans countries but to become part of the EU and NATO - if they want to." "An empty chair in the EU awaits you. Turn the vision into reality as soon as possible," he stated during a panel dubbed "New Paradigm of the Region: Are the Balkans Finally a Success Story?" "You should not be obsessed with dates, but rather focus on the essence - to build a European reality in your countries. It is not most important to reach the EU membership, but to implement European standards in your countries," Lajcak advised. According to him, the task of th EU "and NATO" is to "support the countries of the Western Balkans and keep their prospects alive." "The countries of the Western Balkans have a vision, future and European prospects," Lajcak concluded. He also stated on Friday in Belgrade that it was crucial for Serbia that the EU sees the government's determination in fulfilling the obligations it assumed in terms of continuation of the reform process and the EU approach. "This is the key which will determine recommendations of the European Commission and the decisions of the European Council. The focus should not be on what will happen in December, as March will follow. It is important that we enter the process," Lajcak told reporters on the sidelines of the Belgrade Security Forum, when asked "what Serbia should do to make the EC report as positive as possible". He welcomed the Serbian government's decision regarding the use of the footnote beside Pristina's name at regional forums. "This is it - the government has assumed the responsibilities, and it is working on their fulfillment," said Lajcak, pointing to sensitive issue of implementation of the agreements on the integrated management of crossings, which is yet to be addressed. "I know that this is difficult, but it is a responsibility that Serbia has assumed," Lajcak said, adding that the EU expects a solution, and it is ready to cooperate on the issue. When asked about the list of request presented by the German CDU, Lajcak said that views of individual politicians and parties should not be a cause for concern. "It is important what the EU, the EC, and the European Council think," Lajcak stressed. He also said that security challenges are not among the most important concerns in the Western Balkans. "I do not see any security challenges in the region since all politicians have it clear that there is no room for irresponsibility in this domain," Lajcak concluded. As the Serbian president's press service announced earlier, Lajcak will be received by President Tomislav Nikolic. The Serbian government has announced that the Slovak and EU official will meet with Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Suzana Grubjesic. Lajcak, who is also Slovakia's foreign minister, will confer with his Serbian counterpart Ivan Mrkic. Miroslav Lajcak (Tanjug) Tanjug

Slovak EU official addresses Belgrade forum

Addressing the forum, Lajčak said there were "no better and more positive prospects for Western Balkans countries but to become part of the EU and NATO - if they want to."

"An empty chair in the EU awaits you. Turn the vision into reality as soon as possible," he stated during a panel dubbed "New Paradigm of the Region: Are the Balkans Finally a Success Story?"

"You should not be obsessed with dates, but rather focus on the essence - to build a European reality in your countries. It is not most important to reach the EU membership, but to implement European standards in your countries," Lajčak advised.

According to him, the task of th EU "and NATO" is to "support the countries of the Western Balkans and keep their prospects alive."

"The countries of the Western Balkans have a vision, future and European prospects," Lajčak concluded.

He also stated on Friday in Belgrade that it was crucial for Serbia that the EU sees the government's determination in fulfilling the obligations it assumed in terms of continuation of the reform process and the EU approach.

"This is the key which will determine recommendations of the European Commission and the decisions of the European Council. The focus should not be on what will happen in December, as March will follow. It is important that we enter the process," Lajčak told reporters on the sidelines of the Belgrade Security Forum, when asked "what Serbia should do to make the EC report as positive as possible".

He welcomed the Serbian government's decision regarding the use of the footnote beside Priština's name at regional forums.

"This is it - the government has assumed the responsibilities, and it is working on their fulfillment," said Lajčak, pointing to sensitive issue of implementation of the agreements on the integrated management of crossings, which is yet to be addressed.

"I know that this is difficult, but it is a responsibility that Serbia has assumed," Lajčak said, adding that the EU expects a solution, and it is ready to cooperate on the issue.

When asked about the list of request presented by the German CDU, Lajčak said that views of individual politicians and parties should not be a cause for concern.

"It is important what the EU, the EC, and the European Council think," Lajčak stressed.

He also said that security challenges are not among the most important concerns in the Western Balkans.

"I do not see any security challenges in the region since all politicians have it clear that there is no room for irresponsibility in this domain," Lajčak concluded.

As the Serbian president's press service announced earlier, Lajčak will be received by President Tomislav Nikolić.

The Serbian government has announced that the Slovak and EU official will meet with Prime Minister Ivica Dačić and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Suzana Grubješić.

Lajčak, who is also Slovakia's foreign minister, will confer with his Serbian counterpart Ivan Mrkić.