Committee Deputy Chairperson Elvira Kovacs said that the citizens of Serbia had made their stance on European integration patently clear in the recent elections by giving an overwhelming support to the pro-European parties. She said that the MPs are prepared to tackle the big task ahead, especially as regards economic reform and harmonization of the national legislation with the EU acquis. Kovacs highlighted the importance of opening chapters 23 and 24 which the European Integration Committee had reviewed despite the elections, in its technical mandate. She stressed that the Parliament is thoroughly included in the European process and had initiated the inclusion of the public through cooperation with the civil sector and NGOs.

“At the moment, Serbia is ready to open eight more negotiations chapters”, said Kovacs. Speaking of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union Kovacs said she hoped it would not bring the enlargement process into question and that the EU would successfully overcome the difficulties it is experiencing.

Undersecretary Amendola said that Serbia has always had Italy’s support on its European path and that he is strongly in favour of the accession of the entire Western Balkans. He believes that what is needed is a stronger and more clearly defined vision of Euro-integration and concrete project networking at the regional level. Amendola said that Italy also strongly supports the implementation of economic, legislative and administrative reforms in Serbia.

“Reforms are important and essential because they make the country stronger”, said Amendola.

European Integration Committee member Gordana Comic sid that the Democratic Party remains pro-EU integration and the Serbian Government has its full support on the European path. She also said she wished Italy had more influence and a bigger role in the Western Balkans not just in the realization of project ideas, but also when it comes to values, because, as she said, no Western Balkans country has ever had problems with Italy.

The meeting was also attended by Committee members Dusica Stojkovic and Zarko Micin.