Marinkovic greeted the delegation members on the behalf of National Assembly Speaker Maja Gojkovic, saying that this visit is extremely important for Serbia’s continued EU accession talks. He said that EU accession is Serbia’s strategic priority and goal, and a process that enjoys majority support in the Parliament. He reminded the attending that Serbia has so far opened eight negotiating chapters, two of which have also been temporarily closed.

The Deputy Speaker said that, as a candidate state, Serbia follows the internal developments in the European Union, especially the economic and migrant crisis, reminding the delegation of Serbia’s efforts concerning the migrant crisis, both recognised and assessed positively by the European partners.

Marinkovic also shared his pleasure at the opening of chapters 20 and 26, which is also temporarily closed, during the Maltese presidency of the European Union, adding that he hoped that during the six-month presidency conditions would be met to open chapters 6, 7, 30 and 33, and by the end of 2017 chapters 2, 4, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 21 as well.

Speaking of the dialogue with Pristina, Marinkovic mentioned the efforts Serbia puts into continuing the talks, stressing that the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities is of paramount importance for Serbia, as is resolving the questions of property, cultural and church heritage, cadastre and freedom of movement.

Speaking of the role the National Assembly plays in Serbia’s Euro-integration process Marinkovic stressed that the Parliament follows the National Plan for the adoption of the EU acquis and the harmonisation of national legislation, as outlined in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. He added that strengthening regional cooperation is another of Serbia’s priorities and informed the delegation that Serbia takes part in all regional parliamentary forums, with a special focus on the informal forum the West Balkan Six whose activities are intensifying across the board.

Marinkovic also added that the National Assembly is included in the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region which is extremely important as this is the first time Serbia participates on the same level as the other participants, including the 9 member states.

The COELA delegation thanked Deputy Speaker Marinkovic for the meeting and comprehensive report, hoping that Serbia’s Euro-integration process would continue to follow the same dynamics. Maltese representative Marcelle Troisi said that the country currently presiding over the EU supports Serbia’s path to the EU, especially the opening of new negotiating chapters during its six-moth presidency.