Ivica Dacic and Johannes Hahn say they expect an agreement could be reached next week on the opening of new negotiation chapters in Serbia’s EU accession talks.
The Serbian first deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and the EU commissioner for neighborhood policy and enlargement negotiations met in Belgrade on Monday.
“Both parties took note of the progress in the European integration process of the Republic of Serbia, and it is expected that an agreement could be reached already next week on the opening of new negotiation chapters,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
They noted the need to maintain the pace of the accession process despite all the challenges facing the EU.
They highlighted the messages from the July 2016 Western Balkans summit in Paris, which clearly affirmed the membership prospects and a continuation of the enlargement policy.
They also discussed the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.
“Speedy consensus”
Johannes Hahn said Monday he was confident about a speedy EU consensus on Serbia’s progress on negotiation chapters 25 (science and research) and 26 (education and culture).
At a meeting with University of Belgrade officials and students, Hahn said his visit to Belgrade affirmed an EU assessment that Serbia was sufficiently prepared in the main research and education sectors.
He noted that Serbia’s future and potentials depended on its youth, a statement said.
The key to the future and prosperity of Serbia is in your hands – it is up to you how dynamic and successful your country will be, and your talents, skills and creativity are decisive for Serbia’s economic growth and competitiveness, Hahn said.
Source: B92
