Serbia should deliver concrete and tangible results when it comes to an independent judiciary, the effective fight against organised crime and high-level corruption, the strengthening of independent institutions, as well as ensuring an environment that’s conducive to freedom of expression, be that expression by citizens, journalists or representatives of civil society.
Austria is committed to supporting Serbia’s EU accession process and we have an interest in speeding up the dynamics of Seria’s EU integration. Bur it is up to Serbia to determine the speed and quality of its EU-related reforms. More reforms and their implementation will have a positive impact on the EU accession process.
Irreversible reforms in the area of the rule of law are fundamental. Serbia should also deliver concrete and tangible results when it comes to chapters 23 and 24. These include an independent judiciary, an effective fight against organised crime and high-level corruption, the strengthening of independent institutions, as well as ensuring an environment that’s conducive to freedom of expression, be that expression by citizens, journalists or representatives of civil society. Passing relevant laws is a crucial first step, but those laws must also be implemented and take effect.
We are happy to hear that President Vučić is committed to a reinvigorated reform process, and we can see that efforts to that effect have increased.
We are happy to hear that President Vučić is committed to a reinvigorated reform process, and we can see that efforts to that effect have increased. Continuous engagement in good faith to negotiate and achieve normalisation, and to reach a comprehensive legally binding agreement between Belgrade and Priština, is also crucial to advancing on the EU path. We are confident that the new methodology will lead to a more dynamic accession process. We will certainly continue to assist Serbia bilaterally, particularly through Twinning and IPA projects. The Austrian government stands fully behind the enlargement process and considers it a foreign policy priority. We are also well aware that Serbia needs to tackle other major challenges, such as the economic consequences of the global pandemic. The EU, and Austria, will continue to lend Serbia their full support.
