EU enlargement process "could slow down"

EU enlargement process "could slow down"

Addressing students at the Belgrade University on the topic of the future of the EU and its further enlargement, Pahor, who is on a two-day visit to Serbia, said that it is in the absolute interest of the EU to continue the enlargement process, adding that Serbia, which already has a candidate status, stands excellent chances.

"Slovenia is a friendly country which understands the region, particularly Serbia as the regional power, and the importance of Serbia's EU accession, and we will certainly be allies on the pathway," he said Pahor.

Noting that right wing and anti-European parties won by landslide in the European elections in many countries last weekend, Pahor said that this big step backwards will reflect on the EU enlargement dynamics.

Asked about Serbia's EU accession criteria, the Slovenian president said that the criteria are defined in 35 negotiating chapters, adding that he, as a friend of Serbia, would like to state openly that the success of the talks depends on Belgrade's relations with Priština and regional countries, Bosnia-Herzegovina in particular.

Pahor said that lately the Serbian government has been conducting a very good policy in this area, "despite occasional problems primarily in relations with Priština."

"The EU has the right to request from Serbia to normalize relations with Priština, but it would make a great mistake to put this condition before everything else," according to the Slovenian president.

He expressed hope that there will compromises which would be good for everyone so that the talks would end and Serbia became the next, "maybe 29th" member of the EU.

Noting that "outstanding political relations between Belgrade and Ljubljana have paved the way to the Slovenian president's visit to Serbia for the first time after 1991," Pahor told students that they "should not take freedom and peace for granted, but rather be aware that this is something that should be fought for on a daily basis."