European Commissioner: Serbia Needs To Progress Further In Rule of Law And Fight Against Crime

Ylva Johansson (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC/MO)

The European commissioner for internal affairs and migration, Ylva Johansson, stated in Belgrade on June 17 that Serbia should make progress in the fields of the rule of law and fight against corruption and organized crime, and underscored that it would have support from Brussels in that.

"The EU wants Serbia to be its part, but further reforms and their full implementation are necessary in the accession process. You have made progress, but it is important that the Union supports Serbia in further progress in the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, in the suppression of corruption and organized crime," Johansson said during a joint news conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

At the news conference, held after the signing of the contract on the Union's support to Serbia in managing migrations, Johansson said that Serbia was "a reliable and strong" partner for the Union in that regard.

"The EU has always been a partner to Serbia in facing the migration challenges. You have shown that you are a reliable partner regarding migrations, you treat people with dignity, people are truly treated in the right way here," the European commissioner stated, adding that the signed Contract, worth EUR2.5 million, was part of the European Union's broader support to Serbia.