“Opening of chapters 23 and 24 sends a very important message to the citizens of Serbia who had in the recent elections confirmed their dedication to the European path, as well as to other EU candidate countries in the region, demonstrating the strength of the EU despite the problems it is facing”, said Gojkovic, adding that for the Serbian National Assembly, the Italian Parliament’s support is especially significant on the path to EU.

Amendola confirmed that a big majority of parties in the Italian Parliament supports Serbia’s European integration, as well as the integration of the entire Western Balkan region with which Italy shares economic, political and cultural ties.

Amendola informed the National Assembly Speaker that Italy has begun preparation for the next conference on the Western Balkans, which it is to chair, and suggested organising the parliamentary dimension of the cooperation following the same model, which would in turn bolster this process.

Gojkovic agreed that the EU-Western Balkans conference should expand to include a parliamentary level stressing that stability in the region is very important for Serbia, so the country would continue to work on strengthening cooperation in the Western Balkans.

“The National Assembly will continue to, through parliamentary diplomacy, contribute to the improvement of relations in the region, which will be one of our priorities, along with the continuation of the reform processes and harmonization of the national legislation with the EU acquis”, concluded Gojkovic.