EU negotiations as "unique opportunity"

BELGRADE EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule has said that the EU accession negotiations represent "a unique opportunity for Serbia." Fule said that "Europe now regards Serbia in a new light, as a dynamic country, determined to implement reforms and build its future based on the values ​​of the EU." EU negotiations as "unique opportunity" "Serbia has turned a new page: the historic agreement between Belgrade and Pristina in April this year, important gestures towards the neighboring countries for the purpose of reconciliation, the entry into force of a comprehensive framework for cooperation with the EU, the Stabilization and Association Agreement and, above all, the opening of accession negotiations," Fule wrote in an op-ed published in the Belgrade-based Danas newspaper. "The achievements of Serbia are becoming a powerful source of inspiration for other countries in the region. The start of accession negotiations is a particular milestone in Serbia's relations with the EU. And more than that: it is an unprecedented opportunity for the country and its citizens," said the EU official. He noted that, on the surface, the process of negotiations with the EU "may seem technical," with thousands of pages of various legal acts and laws to be reviewed and adjusted. "In reality, this process offers a unique opportunity for reform and introduction of the highest standards in many areas covered: the strengthening of human rights and the rule of law, through better public administration, to promote protection of the environment and the rights of consumers," said Fule. According to him, the process will be challenging and will require some time, but the effort "will pay off." "The reforms are not for the sake of the EU, but for Serbia: a modernized country which adheres to EU standards will bring benefits to all its citizens, and not just when you join the Union, but before that, while preparing for membership," said the EU commissioner . Such "transformative power" of EU's enlargement has acted in other countries, "and so it shall be in the case of Serbia." "This is just the beginning of a long journey: the pace will depend on Serbia and its success in the domestic reforms and commitments. The focus will now be in areas that are crucial for everyone in Serbia: judicial reform, fight against corruption and organized crime, public administration reform." Fule then said that the economic challenges should be approached "resolutely," above all the serious fiscal situation and high unemployment. At the same time, he stressed, "Serbia should certainly remain fully committed to the normalization of relations with Kosovo and the implementation of all the agreements reached in the dialogue." "The road of Belgrade towards EU membership offers a special opportunity to modernize Serbia in the coming years. It will take some time and there will be many challenges, but it's worth taking it. The European Commission remains committed to following Serbia along that path. Now is your chance to use that opportunity as well as possible and Belgrade is close to doing that," wrote Fule. (Tanjug, file) Danas

EU negotiations as "unique opportunity"

"Serbia has turned a new page: the historic agreement between Belgrade and Priština in April this year, important gestures towards the neighboring countries for the purpose of reconciliation, the entry into force of a comprehensive framework for cooperation with the EU, the Stabilization and Association Agreement and, above all, the opening of accession negotiations," Fule wrote in an op-ed published in the Belgrade-based Danas newspaper.

"The achievements of Serbia are becoming a powerful source of inspiration for other countries in the region. The start of accession negotiations is a particular milestone in Serbia's relations with the EU. And more than that: it is an unprecedented opportunity for the country and its citizens," said the EU official.

He noted that, on the surface, the process of negotiations with the EU "may seem technical," with thousands of pages of various legal acts and laws to be reviewed and adjusted.

"In reality, this process offers a unique opportunity for reform and introduction of the highest standards in many areas covered: the strengthening of human rights and the rule of law, through better public administration, to promote protection of the environment and the rights of consumers," said Fule.

According to him, the process will be challenging and will require some time, but the effort "will pay off."

"The reforms are not for the sake of the EU, but for Serbia: a modernized country which adheres to EU standards will bring benefits to all its citizens, and not just when you join the Union, but before that, while preparing for membership," said the EU commissioner .

Such "transformative power" of EU's enlargement has acted in other countries, "and so it shall be in the case of Serbia." "This is just the beginning of a long journey: the pace will depend on Serbia and its success in the domestic reforms and commitments. The focus will now be in areas that are crucial for everyone in Serbia: judicial reform, fight against corruption and organized crime, public administration reform."

Fule then said that the economic challenges should be approached "resolutely," above all the serious fiscal situation and high unemployment.

At the same time, he stressed, "Serbia should certainly remain fully committed to the normalization of relations with Kosovo and the implementation of all the agreements reached in the dialogue."

"The road of Belgrade towards EU membership offers a special opportunity to modernize Serbia in the coming years. It will take some time and there will be many challenges, but it's worth taking it. The European Commission remains committed to following Serbia along that path. Now is your chance to use that opportunity as well as possible and Belgrade is close to doing that," wrote Fule.