EU: Serbia Has Capacity to Move Faster Toward Membership

Andreas von Beckerath (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)

Serbia definitely has the capacity and capability to expedite its progress on the path to the EU, but that capacity must be combined with a political will and the implementation of real reforms, especially concerning the rule of law, media freedoms and respect for democratic principles and values, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Andreas von Beckerath has said.

"Enlargement is definitely at the very top of the European agenda and I think that Serbia should also accelerate its progress toward the EU. Serbia definitely has the capacity and capability to do so faster, but that capacity must be combined with a political will and the implementation of real reforms," Von Beckerath told Serbian public service broadcaster RTS.

In his words, free and fair media are at the very core of everything.

"In a month, Serbia will have elections and I think the electoral conditions and carrying out of the elections will be an important litmus test for the maturity and resilience of democracy in Serbia and how much Serbia meets those democratic principles. And I truly believe the electoral conditions, the election campaign will have an impact on the process of Serbia's accession to the EU after the elections," said Von Beckerath.

He added that the EU has never and will never interfere in elections, but will monitor the electoral conditions, which is important for it to be sure that voters in Serbia can make informed decisions without any pressure or intimidation.