The European Union Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, met for the first time with the Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starović.
On this occasion, he expressed satisfaction and hope for successful cooperation in advancing Serbia’s accession to the European Union through the implementation of necessary obligations.
He emphasised that the EU is closely monitoring the challenging political situation in Serbia, including in the context of EU accession negotiations.
The Ambassador stressed that the accession process provides a solid framework for addressing key issues - from strengthening the rule of law and safeguarding media freedom, to improving electoral conditions and creating a supportive environment for civil society. He reminded that the opening of Cluster 3 depends on tangible and sustainable progress in the area of the rule of law, particularly regarding electoral reforms, respect for freedom of expression, and the selection of a credible new REM Council.
The EU Ambassador also underlined the need to respect fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. This also implies avoiding any violence against political opponents and party premises as a form of political protest. He reiterated that police action must be proportionate and in line with fundamental rights; any suspicion of excessive use of force must be properly investigated, including troubling reports of threats and violence against journalists.
The Ambassador once again reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Serbia’s European perspective, as well as its continued support through reforms aimed at EU integration, investments and political engagement, for the benefit of all Serbian citizens. In this regard, he recalled that under the EU’s new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, significant EU support is conditional upon the implementation of key reforms, in order to accelerate convergence with the EU and Serbia’s progress on the path to membership.