European Commissioner Marta Kos says Serbia moved backwards on the fundamentals of its EU accession over the past year, but its newly elected government now has a chance for a fresh start.
- Setbacks were most visible in fundamental rights, especially freedom of expression and academic freedom, and in public administration.
- Kos says the new government can strengthen democratic institutions and fundamental rights to move forward on the EU path.
- The enlargement process as a whole is advancing, with what Kos describes as the strongest results in 25 years.
- The Commission proposes a new 'gradual integration' model, with dialogues planned to launch in the first quarter of next year.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that Serbia moved backwards across the fundamentals of its EU accession process over the past year. Presenting the European Commission's annual progress report on Serbia, she added that the newly elected government now has an opportunity for a fresh start.
According to Kos, the setbacks were most visible in fundamental rights, in particular freedom of expression and academic freedom, as well as in public administration. "Now Serbia has the chance for a fresh start," she said.
Call to strengthen institutions
Kos said the new Serbian government can strengthen democratic institutions and fundamental rights and take the steps needed to move forward on the country's EU accession path. The report is the Commission's yearly assessment of how far each candidate country has advanced in meeting membership criteria.
Enlargement overall showing progress
Earlier, while presenting the report, which covers 10 EU candidate and aspirant countries, Kos said the enlargement process as a whole is advancing. She described the results as the strongest seen in the past 25 years.
This year's report also introduced tailored plans for the four countries furthest along on the road to membership: Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said their progress shows that moving toward EU membership depends on political will and political choices.
Gradual integration model
The commissioner said the Commission is proposing a new model of "gradual integration." In the first quarter of next year, the EU plans to launch gradual integration dialogues with enlargement countries. According to Kos, their purpose is to take stock of existing measures and explore further opportunities for integration.
The source does not say when the new Serbian government is expected to respond to the report or which specific reforms it will prioritize. For more updates, see the latest news on Serbia.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the European Commission say Serbia moved backwards on EU accession?
Commissioner Marta Kos said the setbacks were most visible in fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression and academic freedom, as well as in public administration.
What does Marta Kos say the new Serbian government can do?
Kos said the new government can strengthen democratic institutions and fundamental rights and take the steps needed to advance Serbia's EU accession path.
What is the 'gradual integration' model proposed by the EU?
The Commission proposes a new model of gradual integration, under which the EU plans to launch dialogues with enlargement countries in the first quarter of next year to take stock of existing measures and explore further integration opportunities.
Does the report say when Serbia's new government will respond?
No, the source does not say when the new Serbian government is expected to respond to the report or which specific reforms it will prioritize.
