Addressing the members of the AP Vojvodina Assembly, Speaker Stefanovic said that 2013 has been a year of big challenges for Serbia as well as considerable success in the sphere of European integration. He stressed that the Stabilisation and Association Agreement coming into force was of historic significance for Serbia.

Speaking of the Resolution on the Role of the National Assembly and Principles in the Negotiations on the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union which is being discussed today at the National Assembly sitting, he said that it is a confirmation of Serbia’s strategic goal and commitment, adding that he expected Serbia to become a full-fledged member of the European Union by 2020.

The National Assembly Speaker said that cooperation between the National Assembly and the Government, which is in charge of conducting and coordinating the entire negotiation process, is a priority for Serbia as a European Union candidate country, so that all the political, economic, legal and institutional criteria for membership could be met as soon as possible. He also opined that Vojvodina’s examples of multi-ethnicity and best practice stemming from centuries of living together on the territory of the Serbian province, work to Serbia’s advantage in the EU accession process.

Mentioning of the importance of Serbia’s accession to the European Union, Stefanovic said that it would ensure economic prosperity, new investment and Serbia would be able take part in European Union institutions and get a say in equal dialogue and decision-making on key national issues.