McAllister urges soonest possible opening of chapters 23, 24

To back Serbia’s further progress on the European path, chapters 23 and 24 in its EU accession talks should be opened as soon as possible, the European Parliament (EP) rapporteur for Serbia, David McAllister, said in Brussels Wednesday.

Speaking at an EP plenary sitting, he briefed MEPs on last Sunday’s visit to Serbia for the country’s parliamentary elections.

It is an important signal that a clear majority of Serbian citizens voted for the country’s pro-European course, McAllister said.

Belgrade’s reform agenda and constructive relations with neighbouring countries have ensured significant progress in regional cooperation, as well as closer ties with the EU, he said.

Serbia can now focus on implementing economic reforms, strengthening the rule of law, reforming the public administration and guaranteeing freedom of the media, he said.

To help Serbia continue on the European path, I am confident that fundamental chapters 23 and 24 – on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom and security – should be opened as soon as possible, McAllister said.

Source: Tanjug