“Serbia could integrate faster than others”

German ambassador to Serbia Wolfram Maas said that Serbia has the potential to finish the needed measures for EU integration faster than other countries. "The political will exists, and that was shown by the formation of the pro-European government. There is a will to progress as fast as possible, which is shown by the adoption of the necessary decrees,” Maas told Belgrade daily Blic. “Serbia could integrate faster than others” He said that he advised that Serbia take its path to the EU step by step and not try to jump over "some steps". Asked if something can slow down or stop Serbia on its road to the EU, Maas said that he does not see any obstacles. “Honestly, I hope that nothing can. The biggest job is administrative and that is why I see no obstacles, at least as long as this government does not change its policies,” Maas said. Asked about European Parliament official and fellow German Doris Pack’s statement that Serbia will not enter the EU "until it solves its problems with Kosovo", Maas said that she does not speak on behalf of the German government. “Reasonable cooperation in the region does not mean that the European Union is calling for Serbia to recognize Kosovo,” said the ambassador.

“Serbia could integrate faster than others”

He said that he advised that Serbia take its path to the EU step by step and not try to jump over "some steps".

Asked if something can slow down or stop Serbia on its road to the EU, Maas said that he does not see any obstacles.

“Honestly, I hope that nothing can. The biggest job is administrative and that is why I see no obstacles, at least as long as this government does not change its policies,” Maas said.

Asked about European Parliament official and fellow German Doris Pack’s statement that Serbia will not enter the EU "until it solves its problems with Kosovo", Maas said that she does not speak on behalf of the German government.

“Reasonable cooperation in the region does not mean that the European Union is calling for Serbia to recognize Kosovo,” said the ambassador.