Van Rompuy vol lof over Servische premier (en)

EUROPEAN COUNCIL THE PRESIDT

Brussels, 18 January 2013

EUCO 15/13 PRESSE 15 PRPCE 12

Press statement by the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy i, following his meeting with the Prime Minister of Serbia

Ivica Dacic

It was good to meet again with Prime Minister Ivica Dacic only a day after the latest round of discussions between Belgrade and Pristina in the EU facilitated dialogue. In our discussions today, I welcomed the continued commitment of the Serbian Government to the EU agenda and welcomed the efforts of the Prime Minister in the dialogue

I commend both Prime Ministers and High Representative Ashton for the progress so far. Great challenges are ahead but I am encouraged because I saw today in Prime Minister Dacic a man with a vision for his country's future. I am convinced he will do all that he can to bring Serbia closer to the EU

Notwithstanding the importance of the overall reform agenda, normalising the relations with Pristina now remains the key requirement for Serbia and the opening of accession negotiations. This includes fully respecting the principles of inclusive regional cooperation, actively cooperating with our EULEX mission and finding solutions on the more difficult issues in northern Kosovo

The EU will uphold its commitment to Serbia. The Council will review progress in spring with a view to a possible decision to open accession negotiations. Time is of essence. So I strongly encouraged both Prime Ministers to make the best use of this time and accelerate the work

Again, I commend the efforts of the Prime Minister. The EU will uphold its commitment to Serbia

EUCO 15/2013