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Serbia welcomes new chapters on way to full EU membership: FM

Xinhua, July 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Serbia's strategic goal is to become a full member of the EU, despite the fact that the integration process has been slow so far, said Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic here on Thursday.

At the conference "European Union's Global Strategy on Foreign and Security policy and the Western Balkans" held in Belgrade today with presence of European parliament rapporteur for Serbia David McAllister, Dacic explained that Serbia contributes to the common security of the EU by participating in peacekeeping missions and taking an active role in the region.

He reminded that Serbia opened only two chapters of the EU acquis, and said "it is encouraging that on July 18" two new chapters, 23 and 24, will be opened.

While Chapter 23 deals with the judiciary and fundamental rights, the other, Chapter 24 includes justice, freedom and security.

Serbia opened chapters 32 and 35 last December. Chapter 32 of the EU acquis deals with financial control while Chapter 35 is "other issues" which, for Serbia, refer to the dialogue with authorities in Pristina and implementation of the Brussels agreement adopted in 2013 which sets course for the EU-mediated dialogue between the two sides and normalization of relations.

Dacic concluded that Serbia proved to be a reliable partner in preserving stability in the Western Balkans, as well as during the migrant crisis while the region is going through the same challenges as the EU - terrorism, migration, religious fanaticism and climate change.

The chapters 32 and 35 will be opened at an intergovernmental conference scheduled for July 18 in Brussels, where Serbian delegation will be represented by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Dacic announced.

Serbia signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in 2008, but it became legally binding in 2013 when it entered into force. Endit