Verklaring EU-voorzitter Slovenië over presidentsverkiezingen Servië (en)

The EU Presidency has closely been following the second round of the presidential elections held in Serbia held on 3 February.

The Presidency of the EU applauds the high turnout in the, according to the preliminary assessment, free and fair elections. The Presidency welcomes the fact that the Serbian people seem to have confirmed their support to the democratic and European course of their country.

The EU Presidency congratulates President Tadic on his reelection for the second term in the office.

The EU Presidency reiterates its commitment to the European perspective of Serbia, as most recently expressed at the January General Affairs and External Relations Council in the invitation to sign a Political Agreement on Co-operation with Serbia.

Serbia has a crucial role to play in the Western Balkans and the people of Serbia are part of the European family. The EU wishes to deepen its relationship with Serbia and to accelerate its progress towards the EU, including candidate status. It therefore encourages Serbia to implement vigorously the reforms necessary for advancing the Stabilisation and Association process. In this respect it also stresses the key importance of achieving full cooperation with ICTY.

The Presidency expresses its confidence that the reelection of President Tadi? will accelerate Serbia's progress on the road towards the EU, including the signature of the Stabilization and Association Agreement that would pave the way for acquiring a candidate status in the near future.