The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic and the heads of the Deputy Groups at the National Assembly met today at the National Assembly House with the European Union Expansion Commissioner Olli Rehn. In the talk they exchanged opinions on the most important issues concerning Serbia’s accession to the European Union.

Pointing out that the parliaments played the key role in all the countries which successfully completed the process of joining the European Union, Rehn gave the example of Finland which expediated the procedure of passing European laws about 15 years ago by reforming its rules of procedure. The role of the parliament is also crucial in the creation of the broadest social consensus on national issues, as well as European integration, Olli Rehn stressed. He also added that the goal of his visit is to encourage Serbia on its road to the EU and make suggestions which would help a speedier adoption of laws and completion of other tasks pre-conditioning Serbia’s accession to the EU.

Assembly Speaker Djukic-Dejanovic greeted the EU Expansion Commissioner on the behalf of the National Assembly deputies, stressing that Serbia’s approach to the European Union is one of its most important foreign policy goals.

In the talk, the DPS Deputy Group head Milos Aligrudic asked about the EU’s position on Serbia’s territorial integrity, in view of the recent European Parliament Resolution on Kosovo, as well as the officials’ statements concerning the status of the Serbian province. Suzana Grubjesic, G17 Plus Deputy Group head asked if the visa liberalisation announced for this year will be postponed and why Commissioner Rehn does not recommend that Serbia applies for EU membership this year. Forward Serbia Deputy Group head Tomislav Nikolic requested that the EU forward a list of demands that Serbia has to fulfill, stressing that all issues are negotiable with Serbia, except for the independence of Kosovo-Metohija. Balint Pastor, Minority Deputy Group head deemed the modifications of the Rules of Procedure less important and advocated decentralisation of Serbia and adoption of the statute of Vojvodina.

LDP Deputy Group head Cedomir Jovanovic deemed the adoption of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Serbia and the EU crucial, adding that Serbia has the democratic potential to approach the EU. Branko Ruzic, SPS Deputy Group head said that he views European integration as a partnership and asked whether the acknowledgement of the Kosovo-Metohija independence is a pre-condition for Serbia’s European integration. The head of the New Serbia Deputy Group Velimir Ilic raised a similar question and asked directly if, contrary to the Constitution, the secession of Kosovo is an EU condition, since the process is being conditioned and delayed. The DP Deputy Group head Nada Kolundzija pointed out that Serbia strongly favours European integration and is ready to respect the procedure and standards requested from other countries as well. She emphasised that the key question for Serbia is whether Serbia’s accession to the EU and the solution of the Kosovo-Metohija status are two separate processes. Momo Colakovic, head of the PUPS Deputy Group stressed that, in addition to the EU, resolution of social tensions and the economic crisis are key issues for Serbia.

Responding to the questions of the deputy group heads, Olli Rehn said that the European Commission, under international law, does not have the authority to acknowledge potential new states, but since no mutually acceptable solution was reached, Kosovo cannot remain “a black hole”. Therefore, the European Commission is attempting to help overcome the differences and resolve the practical problems in Kosovo, above all enable its economic and social development.

Rehn pointed out that the European Commission believes that Serbia’s accession to the European Union and the solution of the Kosovo-Metohija status are two separate processes.

He stressed that the conditions for visa regime liberalisation for Serbian citizens have been met, but with the adoption of the remaining laws regulating this sector and their implementation. Applying for European Union membership, however, is contingent to the results achieved in the realisation of the Transitional Trade Agreement and SAA.