BELGRADE – Significant results have been achieved in the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, but there is still work to do, the head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport said on Tuesday, welcoming Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic’s announcement that he will be representing Belgrade in the dialogue with Pristina.
It is a known fact that comprehensive normalisation of relations with Pristina is an integral part of the EU accession process, and it is addressed by Chapter 35, Davenport said.
Speaking at a round table discussion on economic ties between Belgrade and Pristina, potentials for cooperation and key challenges of the joint European prospects, he said that the screening for the chapter was conducted on January 22 and that the EU member countries need to decide on further steps.
Chapter 35 is no substitute for dialogue, but a mechanism for monitoring the obligations undertaken in the dialogue, the EU ambassador said at Belgrade’s Aeroklub.
The EU may act as the mediator in the dialogue, but it is up to Belgrade and Pristina to initiate negotiations and lead the normalisation process with support from the citizens and civil society, Davenport said.
Davenport echoed the message of European foreign policy and security chief Catherine Ashton, who paid a visit to Serbia on Monday, that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue can also encourage many other regions.
The potential is huge and the possibilities for development and cooperation have not been used entirely – development is vital for creating new jobs, Davenport said.
The progress in the dialogue and reforms has led to Serbia’s progress in European integrations, Davenport pointed out, adding that the EU remains committed to enlargement in the Western Balkans.
