Von Beckerath Laments Serbia’s Absence from Summit with EU

Andreas von Beckerath (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV)

Andreas von Beckerath, the head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia, said in Belgrade on Dec. 19 that it was not good that Serbia had not taken part in the EU-Western Balkan Summit on Dec. 17, and that any problems should be discussed because the EU enlargement process was founded on dialogue.

Speaking at a panel discussion on the topic, From Denmark to Cyprus: How to Make the EU Ready for Enlargement, Von Beckerath said the key point in the European Commission's 2025 report on Serbia was that the country had regressed in the rule of law.

He said that the rule of law, judicial and prosecutorial independence and curbing corruption were the most important areas for Serbia in the EU accession process, and added that the EC report stressed as a key point the creation of a more favorable environment for civil society, which had an exceptionally important role in the enlargement process.

Danish Ambassador Pernille Dahler Kardel said at the panel discussion that as enlargement progressed, Ukraine provided impetus, bringing other countries with it, and added that while chairing the EU Denmark had strived to show that EU enlargement was still ongoing. Where there is a will, you can find a way for progress, even when there are individuals who obstruct you, she said, adding that the EU had to ensure actual results in Serbia's accession process and that the main topic was for candidate members to focus on "day and night" reforms.