Frattini: EU's doors open to Serbia

Serbia's future is in the EU, and Brussels' political offer to Belgrade means that the doors of the EU are open to it. However, it is up to the Serbian citizens to decide whether to accept that offer, EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said. Frattini: EU's doors open to Serbia "Serbia's future is in the EU. I came here today to give this message personally, not only to President Tadic, but also to you, the people of Serbia," Frattini told reporters, after a meeting with Tadic in Belgrade Wednesday. The commissioner pointed out that the political agreement the EU had offered Serbia, for the first time mentioned its EU membership, adding that all 27 members had stood behind the offer. "I want to say that our political offer to Serbia means that we are opening Europe's doors and windows, but the Serbian citizens will decide whether or not to enter," Frattini said. Tadic underscored that Serbia, defending its integrity, was firmly dedicated to a future in Europe, and added that he was "very optimistic about Serbia's European future," which was primarily to bring benefit to the citizens. "By defending its integrity, Serbia remains firmly dedicated to a future in Europe. With great optimism I look on Serbia's European future, because it is directly connected with the improvement of life and the living standard of our citizens - new jobs and new investments," he said. Frattini said he was confident that the European course and prospect "will make Serbia a stronger country," adding that this was the position of the European Commission, which met on the morning of Jan. 30, and of its President Jose Manuel Barroso. Tadic and Frattini welcomed the start of talks between the EU and Serbia, which should lead to completely eliminating visas for Serbian citizens, and according to the commissioner that may happen as early as in 2009, after all the necessary requirements are met. Frattini also said that this meant Serbian citizens would be able "to move freely within the biggest border-free space in the world - from Portugal to Finland, from Greece to Denmark." He reiterated that apart from liberalizing the visa regime, the EU was also considering establishing a free trade zone with Serbia and including Serbian students in the Erasmus student exchange and education program. Boris Tadic, Franco Frattini (Beta)

Frattini: EU's doors open to Serbia

"Serbia's future is in the EU. I came here today to give this message personally, not only to President Tadić, but also to you, the people of Serbia," Frattini told reporters, after a meeting with Tadić in Belgrade Wednesday.

The commissioner pointed out that the political agreement the EU had offered Serbia, for the first time mentioned its EU membership, adding that all 27 members had stood behind the offer.

"I want to say that our political offer to Serbia means that we are opening Europe's doors and windows, but the Serbian citizens will decide whether or not to enter," Frattini said.

Tadić underscored that Serbia, defending its integrity, was firmly dedicated to a future in Europe, and added that he was "very optimistic about Serbia's European future," which was primarily to bring benefit to the citizens.

"By defending its integrity, Serbia remains firmly dedicated to a future in Europe. With great optimism I look on Serbia's European future, because it is directly connected with the improvement of life and the living standard of our citizens - new jobs and new investments," he said.

Frattini said he was confident that the European course and prospect "will make Serbia a stronger country," adding that this was the position of the European Commission, which met on the morning of Jan. 30, and of its President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Tadić and Frattini welcomed the start of talks between the EU and Serbia, which should lead to completely eliminating visas for Serbian citizens, and according to the commissioner that may happen as early as in 2009, after all the necessary requirements are met.

Frattini also said that this meant Serbian citizens would be able "to move freely within the biggest border-free space in the world - from Portugal to Finland, from Greece to Denmark."

He reiterated that apart from liberalizing the visa regime, the EU was also considering establishing a free trade zone with Serbia and including Serbian students in the Erasmus student exchange and education program.