"Opening of chapters is political question"

"Opening of chapters is political question"

BELGRADE -- The membership negotiation process with the EU is long, German Ambassador to Serbia Heinz Wilhelm has said.

Speaking on Tuesday, he was also "unable to say when the first chapter will be opened," and "pointed out that this is a political question."

Speaking during the presentation of a German-Serbian Business Association survey, Wilhelm remarked that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be in Belgrade (next) Tuesday, which will represent "an opportunity to talk about it."

Asked by reporters when Serbia's membership negotiations with the EU will begin, Wilhelm replied that "they have already been ongoing for 15 months," and added, "the process is long."

The German ambassador "pointed out that from an economic point of view of a country that is negotiating means it is on track to become European, adopt European standards," adding that "this was also important for German entrepreneurs."