“The National Assembly has reached consensus on EU accession, which is our first foreign policy goal. We hope the European Union also appreciates the efforts Serbia invests in the dialogue with Pristina”, said the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson.

Gianni Pittella conveyed the greetings of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, saying that both Italy and the European Parliament are intently following the reforms conducted by the Serbian Government.

He said that Serbia’s EU accession is a significant step and Italy would like to see Serbia and the Balkans joint the European Union.

“I am well aware how important this is and believe me I will spare no effort at the European Parliament and in contact with German and other colleagues to urge for the opening of the negotiation chapters with Serbia”, said the President of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, second strongest at the European Parliament.

Foreign Affairs Committee Deputy Chairperson Dijana Vukomanovic said she hoped Serbia could set up a favourable business environment for new Italian investors, especially in view of the fact that Italy is one of Serbia’s most important partners.