EU is neither dream nor nightmare - ambassador

EU is neither dream nor nightmare - ambassador

BELGRADE -- Italy is on Tuesday taking over the presidency of the EU from Greece, and sees closer ties with Serbia and the Balkans as one of the presidency's priorities.

Italian Ambassador in Belgrade Giuseppe Manzo told Serbia's public broadcaster RTS that the Italian presidency of the European Union would be important for Serbia, because Serbia and the Balkans will be among the top priorities.

"During our chairmanship we will get the Union closer to Serbia, to show you that it is neither a dream nor a nightmare, but something real, that will useful to people in the long-term," the diplomat was quoted as saying.

He, however, added that the European Union would support Serbia on its European path, regardless of which country has the presidency.

"The fact that Barroso came here before leaving office in Brussels, confirms that the European Union, regardless of who will be in his place, will support Serbia's European path," said Manzo.

Italy's top-ranking diplomat in Serbia also announced that the Italian embassy will on July 11 have an open doors day, allowing Serbian citizens to come and see "what Europe can do for them."

RTS said that Italy will focus on economic growth, employment and EU's enlargement during its six-month presidency.