Minister Starovic: Serbia Ccommitted to the European path, expects the EU to recognize reform results

At the 18th meeting of the European Union–Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), Serbia’s Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starovic emphasized that Serbia continues to work intensively on fulfilling all obligations arising from the EU accession process.

“In the previous period, we have demonstrated a clear political commitment and achieved tangible results in implementing reforms. It is particularly important that we received a positive opinion from the Venice Commission on the package of judicial laws, which constitutes significant confirmation that the reforms we are implementing are in line with European standards and the recommendations of our European partners,” Starovic stated, according to a press release issued by the Ministry for European Integration of the Republic of Serbia.

Starovic underscored that Serbia remains committed to implementing its reform agenda, improving electoral legislation in line with the recommendations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and further strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions.

“We expect the European Union to recognize the progress Serbia has achieved and to enable the opening of Cluster 3 without further delay, as it has been technically ready since December 2021. The accession process must remain merit-based and grounded in objective criteria and concrete results,” Starovic stated.

The Minister added that Serbia’s gradual integration into the EU Single Market is of key importance for economic growth, attracting new investments, and improving citizens’ living standards.

“Serbia is a reliable and responsible partner of the European Union. Our objective remains full EU membership, but at the same time we expect enlargement policy to gain new momentum and for candidate countries implementing reforms to be adequately recognized and rewarded for their achievements,” Starovic concluded.