Giaufret: We expect to see progress in establishing the CSM

The Head of the European Union Delegation in Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, stated that the EU expects to see progress in establishing the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM) in Kosovo, adding that dialogue must continue.

Giaufret told TV Prva that Serbia's speed of accession to the EU depends on reforms in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, as well as the relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

"We are now in a situation where we have several agreements reached in 2013 and 2015, and the Agreement on the Path to Normalization from last year. The question now is the implementation of numerous obligations. Key issues are on the table, and both sides have obligations they need to fulfill," Giaufret said.

He reminded that the EU has criticized a series of unilateral actions by Pristina that have made life difficult for people in Kosovo.

"We are discussing within the framework of the dialogue how to move forward. And that is the message we have conveyed to the negotiators on both sides. One of the key aspects is the establishment of the CSM. The Europeans have provided a draft statute, and we expect to see progress in establishing the CSM," Giaufret emphasized.

He also mentioned that one of the key aspects is Article 9 of the Agreement, which concerns the return of Serbs to institutions.

He stressed that dialogue must continue, as there is no other path to resolving the situation, especially to improve the quality of life for the local population.

Regarding Serbia’s European integration, Giaufret said that now is the time to accelerate reforms in the country.

"This is the moment to accelerate accession. We are speeding up the institutions themselves, and now is the time to intensify reforms. Let’s see how quickly we can address key issues for the country to align with EU policies and laws. Serbia needs to open new chapters, and reforms are required for this. Now is the time to accelerate reforms," Giaufret concluded.