The National Assembly Speaker was very pleased by the Italian Minister’s visit so soon after the country had taken over the presidency of the European Union Council. On the behalf of the National Assembly, she thanked the Republic of Italy for the strong and continuous support it lends Serbia on the road to Euro-integration. She highlighted the importance of bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation, sure that the two parliaments’ committees and the Italy-Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group would contribute to its intensification. The Parliament Speaker stressed that most of the obligations undertaken under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement have been met and the SAA adaptation process had also been successfully completed, adding that the Government and the National Assembly strictly follow and abide by the National Plan for the adoption of the EU acquis and the obligation to harmonise the legislation mentioned in the Agreement.
Minister Mogherini said that her visit to Serbia was meant to express Italy’s clear belief that the enlargement of the European Union is one of the priorities of her country’s presidency of the European Union Council. “We are aware how much you have done on the road to Euro-integration so far and how much remains to be done still and we offer you full support to persevere”, said Mogherini. She especially praised the National Assembly’s, as she said, meticulous work on the EU accession process.
The Head of the Serbian Progressive Party Parliamentary Group Zoran Babic said it was crucial for Serbia not to waste time, yet maintain the quality of the necessary reform that Serbia’s works very hard on, despite the speed. He also stressed that Serbia is ready to continue dialogue with Pristina and remains consistent in its belief that all disputes should be resolved by dialogue.
The panel discussion also included National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gordana Comic, Head of the Democratic Party Parliamentary Group Borislav Stefanovic, Head of the Socialist Party of Serbia Parliamentary Group Dijana Vukomanovic, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandra Djurovic, Chairman of the European Integration Committee Aleksandar Senic and the Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Italy Vanja Vukic.