“That why the membership prospects need to be credible with visible goals set by a stable and strong EU, originating from the principles and values this big project was based on”, said Gojkovic addressing the parliament speakers.

Gojkovic said that Serbia is investing additional efforts into internal reforms and harmonization with EU standards, as evidenced in the European Commission’s positive progress report.

The National Assembly Speaker said that the many challenges inside the EU require open dialogue, wise solutions, courage to implement them and solidarity in the fallout.

“Historically the EU has been developing by overcoming crises, coordinating policies and finding new avenues of action, while the enlargement process ran parallel to it. A strong or an enlarged EU – for us that is not a real alternative because the strength of the Union by and large lies in the enlargement”, said Gojkovic, hoping that the coming summit in Sofia will fully affirm the enlargement prospects and provide solid guidelines.

The Conference in Tallinn is attended by over 30 heads of the parliament of EU member states and candidate states and the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani spoke at its opening.