Bilcik: Dialog between Belgrade and Pristina, Continuing Reforms Key to Serbia's Road to the EU

Vladimir Bilcik (Photo: YouTube)

The European Parliament's new rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik said on Oct. 22 that the European Council's decision to not open accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia was an historical mistake, but that it did not directly affect Serbia's road to the EU, whose most important aspects were the dialog between Belgrade and Pristina and the continuation of reforms.

"This decision [by the European Council] is a historical mistake, I hope we have enough time to rectify it. It is important to send a credible signal to all of our partners in the region, including Serbia, that the EU is serious about enlargement. This decision by the Council does not directly affect Serbia's road to the EU, whose most important aspects are dialog, domestic reforms, chapters 23 and 24 and other criteria that need to be met," Bilic told Vojvodina Radio and Television.

He said that his first step as rapporteur for Serbia would be to work actively and help Serbia progress along its European path.