Talks on Chapter 23 probably in spring 2015

BECICI - Cedomir Backovic, president of Serbia's negotiating team for Chapter 23 and assistant to the minister of justice, said on Friday that the talks with the EU on the chapter referring to the judicial system and fight against corruption could start in spring next year.

He expects that the screening report for Chapter 23 including standards for the opening of talks is to arrive from Brussels in about 10 days.

The report will describe the current state of affairs in the judicial system, the fight against corruption and protection of basic rights, as well as the level which a country should reach in order to join the EU, Backovic told reporters in Becici at a workshop organized by the negotiating teams of Serbia and Montenegro.

The action plan will envisage the duration of the negotiating on Chapter 23 and include various activities, he said.

Backovic expressed expectation that based on screening Serbia will be able to complete the first draft of the action plan for Chapter 23 by autumn, which will be tabled in a public debate.

The debate will engage a greatest number of interested actors including the parliament, civil society and international friends since there is a need for a feasible plan.

Once the European Council confirms the action plan, the negotiations will be opened, Backovic said, adding that this is expected in spring 2015.

Commenting on Montenegro's experience in the EU accession talks, Backovic said that Serbia can make use of the Montenegrin experience in drafting the plan.

Photo Tanjug, D. Peternek (archive)