Ambassador Repcekova urged Serbia to use her country’s presidency of the European Union for the integration process, in which it is important how many negotiation chapters are closed.

“The opening and closing certain chapters in which there is no limitation would be a success for Serbia. The citizens have to gain something tangible from the European integration process”, said the Slovak Ambassador.

European Integration Committee Chairperson Marinika Tepic briefed the Slovak Ambassador on the role the Committee and the National Assembly play in the negotiations process and the role of civil society acting through the National Convention.

“The role of the European Integration Committee and the National Assembly in the negotiations process is defined by official documents, especially the role of the European Integration Committee and the National Convention in the consideration of Serbia’s negotiating positions per each chapter”, said Tepic.

She reaffirmed Serbia’s unequivocal commitment to EU membership despite the new National Assembly legislature having some Euro-sceptic MPs. Tepic thanked Slovakia for its opposition to the policy of placing new conditions before Serbia in the EU accession process. She said that Serbia is ready to, during the Slovak presidency i.e. by the end of the year, also open chapters 5, 20, 25 and 26, which was met with support from Ambassador Repcekova.

The officials agreed that it is important to continue dialogue within the Berlin Process and achieve progress in the dialogue with Pristina.

The Slovak Ambassador restated that Slovakia had not recognised the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and opined that the European project is good because membership in the Union also resolves issues like that one.