The Operational Team for Serbia’s accession to the European Union held another meeting, chaired by Ambassador Danijel Apostolović, Head of Serbia’s Mission to the EU.
The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ana Brnabić, the Minister of Justice, Nenad Vujić, and representatives of key institutions involved in the accession process.
Discussions focused on further steps to accelerate negotiations with the EU, a review of progress achieved to date, and challenges requiring timely and coordinated action.
Participants emphasised the importance of setting objectives that are both ambitious and realistic, guided by benchmarks across all clusters and aligned with the European Commission’s Country Report and the Reform Agenda.
"Particular attention was devoted to interim benchmarks in the chapters on the rule of law. It was confirmed that the goal of reforms is not merely ticking boxes, but achieving genuine and lasting change. Although significant work lies ahead, there is renewed focus and commitment to accelerating efforts on Serbia’s European path for the benefit of its citizens," the Mission of the Republic of Serbia to the EU stated.
On 26 January, the Government of Serbia adopted a decision to establish the operational team, whose role will be to coordinate the accelerated implementation of all obligations on Serbia’s European path. The team will consist of representatives at the highest level of government.
The task of the operational team will be to provide strategic guidance, political coordination, and the timely resolution of issues of particular importance for progress in the accession negotiations.
As previously announced by the Government of Serbia, the team represents “a link between decision-making at the highest level and the operational conduct of negotiations, and will contribute to the harmonised action of all competent institutions”.
It was also underlined that the Ministry for European Integration will continue to carry out expert, organisational, and administrative coordination, as well as ensure the coordinated work of all participants in the negotiation process.
(EUpravo zato)