MORE NEWS
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica emphasised that Latvia supports Serbia's aspirations to join the EU and very much appreciated the backing given by Serbian society and the political commitment of the Serbian Government. The Parliamentary State Secretary emphasised that the Latvian Presidency supports the opening of the first chapters of Serbia's EU accession negotiations in the near future. To achieve that, Serbia must put in place comprehensive reforms in its economy, judicial system and public administration, and achieve tangible results in the fight against corruption and the protection of fundamental and minority rights.
The dialogue on the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is also of key importance. The Parliamentary State Secretary commended Serbia's engagement in regional cooperation, which makes it possible for the western Balkan countries to develop joint cross-border projects in areas such as infrastructure and energy interconnections.
The discussion also dealt with the European Parliament resolution evaluating Serbia's European integration process over the past year. The issue was debated at the plenary session of the European Parliament on 10 March.
Serbia has been an EU candidate country since March 2012, and the accession talks were launched in January 2014. None of the accession chapters have yet been opened.
