"Road map for Serbia's EU perspective is ready" - German FM

"Road map for Serbia's EU perspective is ready" - German FM

Gabriel noted that eight chapters have been opened in EU accession talks, of which two have been temporarily closed, but added that progress towards EU is measured not so much by the number of chapters opened, but by progress in key areas.

"Serbia is not carrying out reforms for EU's sake but for its own - in order to create greater prosperity, more justice and greater chances for its citizens," said Sigmar.

He noted that "the core of this process of transformation" is the rule of law, i.e., chapters 23 and 24. The German official added that freedom of the press and expression have "special significance."

"We will put particular emphasis on development in this area," said Sigmar.

He also stated that Germany supports "dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo" and that it is "important for the EU" that both processes - accession negotiations and the normalization of relations with Kosovo run in parallel.

"Progress has been made in several areas, for example in the area of ​​free travel, mutual recognition of diplomas and recently in the field of telecoms. But much more still lies ahead, above all, the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities. For this reason, the dialogue should be continued soon," said Sigmar .

He added that he would today congratulate Aleksandar Vucic on his victory in the presidential elections, and welcomed the fact Vucic immediately after the elections confirmed that joining the EU is a strategic goal of Serbia.

Sigmar also said that peaceful demonstrations in Serbia are an expression of the democratic process, "in which everyone can express their opinion - fair and democratic elections also mean transparent elimination of any possible doubts about their course."

Speaking about the refugee crisis, he said that overcoming it was "a huge task for the whole of Europe." Sigmar is "aware that Serbia is overburdened" - but said the country "won't be left in the lurch."