"EU to continue support to Serbia's accession"

"EU to continue support to Serbia's accession"

BELGRADE -- The EU will continue its strong support to Serbia's European pathway to enable the country to become a full-fledged member as soon as possible.

This is according to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who spoke in Belgrade on Sunday.

"Serbia has made major progress in its European integration, and the EU is building an ever-stronger partnership with it," Barroso said at a joint press conference with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić in the Palace of Serbia.

"During the meeting, we discussed the reforms that Serbia is undertaking and needs to undertake," Barroso said, adding that Serbia's accession talks are progressing very well.

Screenings for 18 out of 35 negotiation chapters have been opened so far, Barroso said, welcoming the efforts of the Serbian government aimed at strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption and crime, as well as efforts regarding respect of human rights and reforming the state administration.

Speaking about the Belgrade-Priština dialogue, he said that "both sides have demonstrated vision and courage, which has materialized in many agreements."

"Solving these issues is a priority for us and the entire EU believes that both sides need to show responsibility and readiness to implement the agreements reached," the European Commission president said.

Ahead of touring Obrenovac, the hardest-hit by the recent floods, the EU official said he would "speak to citizens and tell them that the EU will continue to support Serbia."

"The EU sees Serbia as a reliable partner and a pillar of stability and cooperation in south-western Balkans," Barroso noted.