Debate on the 2015 progress report on Serbia during the EP plenary session in Strasbourg. Statements by Bert KOENDERS, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Tanja FAJON (S&amp;D, SI) and Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK)

Strasbourg

debate

EU - Serbia (T)

McALLISTER, David (EPP, DE)

FAJON, Tanja (S&D, SI)

TANNOCK, Timothy Charles Ayrton (ECR, UK)

HAHN, Johannes (AT, EC)

KOENDERS, Bert (NL)

2015 progress report on Serbia : extracts from the debate

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/19197717/I115678Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Bert KOENDERS, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, The Council will closely follow these developments: progress in the process of normalisation of relationships with Kosovo needs to be made in parallel with progress in Serbia&rsquo;s accession negotiations. Serbia is playing a very positive and constructive role in handling the refugee and migration crisis, by which it is seriously affected. It will be important for us to continue and to increase our close cooperation on this critical challenge for the EU and we will equally continue supporting Serbia, technically and financially in this field.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bert KOENDERS, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, In this context we hope that the announced early parliamentary elections will not slow down this process. It will also be essential for these elections to be held in accordance with international standards. Provided that conditions are met we look forward to open further negotiation chapters with Serbia under our Presidency.

SOUNDBITE (English), Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Serbia should now build on this progress with a renewed commitment to move decisively forward with reforms, in particular in the areas of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime, freedom of expression, public administration, antidiscrimination, the protection of the most vulnerable groups and minorities and the economy. Of equal importance for Serbia is continuing its constructive approach and continuing making further progress in normalising its relations with Kosovo. This should run in parallel with the accession process with a view to reaching the comprehensive normalisation of the relationships targeted as the ultimate goal in our negotiating framework.

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, I would like to stress 4 main points of this year&rsquo;s resolution on Serbia. First, the rule of law; the EU is based on the rule of law, when countries respect the rule of law it&rsquo;s beneficial for its citizens, its businesses, its state institutions and the economy as a whole. Serbia should fight organised crime and corruption with determination and independent judiciary must be guaranteed. Second, democracy; this resolution stresses the importance of an active role of the parliament and the participation of constructive opposition forces that are so vital for a democratic society. Third, media freedom; the freedom of media is a constituent element of democracy that cannot only be achieved by adopting laws. It&rsquo;s also about creating a friendly environment for independent media. And fourth, regional cooperation; regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations form an essential part of the Western Balkans countries process of moving towards our EU.

SOUNDBITE (English), David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, I firmly believe that the rule of law chapters 23 and 24 should be open as soon as possible in order to help Serbia to continue on its path towards the EU.

SOUNDBITE (Slovenian), Tanja FAJON (S&amp;D, SI), As a former journalist I should talk about the inappropriate declarations that were made by the Minister with regard to female journalism. This is just adding fuel to the fire and I am very concerned about the situation of the media in Serbia and I hope it won&rsquo;t be like that in the future.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), I also take the opportunity to call on the Belgrade government to try more closely align itself particularly in chapter 31 with the EU CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy) particularly over sanctions to Russia. Serbia is a key player in the Western Balkans and its EU accession process to my mind it&rsquo;s very much part of the process of stabilising the entire region.