Giaufret: Serbia Has Chosen EU as Strategic Goal, Hence Should Speed Up Reforms

Emanuele Giaufret speaking at the panel discussion “Thessaloniki Enthusiasm – 20 Years Later” (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)

Head of the Delegation and Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret stated on May 9 – on occasion of Europe Day – that Serbia has chosen EU membership as a strategic goal and should, therefore, accelerate its reforms.

“The strategic goal Serbia has chosen for itself, which is joining the EU, is an important goal in the interest of the people of Serbia and the EU. We should move forward and speed up reforms,” Giaufret told the RTS public service.

He added that the key areas requiring reforms are the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, the independence of the judiciary and media pluralism.

“There is also [the matter of] normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina, which is an important, if at times difficult, aspect, but we must definitely continue working,” said Giaufret.

The ambassador further stated that European Commissioner for Neighborhood Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi will be visiting Belgrade next week to commence talks with the new government.

With regards to the upcoming elections for the European Parliament, Giaufret expressed his expectation that the new European Commission will focus on the enlargement process.