Macut in Tirana: Serbia is on the right path in the EU accession process

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut stated today that Serbia is on the right path in the process of accession to the European Union and that it has maintained its position as an important partner throughout the process.

After taking part in the Summit on the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in Tirana, Macut emphasized that it is time to send a positive message to the citizens of Serbia and to finally open Cluster 3 in the negotiations with the EU.

He said that economic topics and issues of transport connectivity dominated the meeting in Tirana.

"I think the topics that concern all citizens, the things that matter to them, dominated. I believe Serbia is on the right path, that we have met a good share of the accession requirements, and that by the end of the year we will fulfill everything we have set for ourselves. We had the opportunity to discuss issues such as a regional free-roaming zone, which is extremely important," Macut stressed.

He noted that it was agreed to propose a new methodology for calculating travel times for trucks driving into the Schengen area.

As he stated, the Western Balkan countries will submit this proposal to the European Commission together with the United Kingdom.

"Serbia has maintained a strategic position and a recognizable, solid partnership with the EU throughout the entire process," the prime minister underlined.

When asked when the funds from the Growth Plan can be expected, he said that with the fulfillment of the conditions, the first disbursements are planned for early next year.

"This was emphasized by the EU representatives at this meeting. I think that in the first quarter of next year we will have answers to that question," Macut said.

Regarding European integration, the prime minister said that Serbia has technically met all the requirements, but that a political decision still rests with the EU.

Concerning the models of integration for candidate countries, from gradual to full membership, Macut said this is a question that "remains up in the air."

"The European Union is transforming its ideas. We are a country that has constantly endured and experienced changes in accession conditions. We simply need to work hard, focus on identifying common points, and secure the support of all member states," Macut concluded.