“All the German members of parliament are in favour of EU enlarging to include the Western Balkans and Germany will be a constructive partner to the region’s efforts in the process” said Dr Johann Wadephul today, member of the Bundestag, in meeting with the Head of the PFG with Germany Vesna Markovic and European Integration Committee Deputy Chairperson Elvira Kovacs.
Wadephul praised the good cooperation and relations between Serbia and Germany, with a special focus on parliamentary cooperation, also mentioning how important it is to continue reform vis-à-vis the rule of law, anti-corruption and the judiciary. He encouraged the Serbian colleagues to take bold strides in these reforms and step up the adjustment to European standards, adding that Serbia’s future lies in the EU and Germany will support its efforts to join.
The Head of the PFG with Germany Vesna Markovic emphasized the importance of EU accession for Serbia and the Berlin Process and its political and economic empowerment of the region. She stated that one of the flaws of the Berlin Process is lack of direct parliamentary involvement. She added that Germany’s support is very important for Serbia’s EU efforts because enlargement is important not only for the stability of the region but for the stability of the EU itself. Markovic also opined that the Sofia summit had after a long time sent the message that the EU had not given up on enlargement, which is very important for Serbia.
European Integration Committee Deputy Chairperson Elvira Kovacs spoke about the Committee’s work and its role in Serbia’s EU accession process. She said that most Serbian parliamentarians are in favour of the accession and the Committee’s chief tasks concern legislative harmonization, cooperation with the European Convention and consideration of Serbia’s negotiation positions per chapter. She added that the Committee plans to strengthen cooperation with the Government as regards reviewing reports on the negotiations, adding that all should help improve the public attitude to the EU, especially among young people.
The officials then spoke about the upcoming elections to the European Parliament and the Head of the PFG with Germany said that they could be the source of considerable change as regards the enlargement policy, in view of the many challenges the EU is faced with. The Bundestag member was optimistic about the elections because the crises will help the people understand why it is important to have a strong Europe. He opined that the best cure against Euro-scepticism is to achieve progress in the negotiations with the candidates as soon as possible, as well as normalize the relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
The Head of the PFG with Germany Vesna Markovic said that Serbia is deeply committed to the ongoing reforms conducted to harmonize the national legislation with the acquis and opined that it is important that both sides in the Brussels dialogue fulfil what was agreed upon, primarily to set up the Community of Serb Municipalities.
