Chairman of the Council of EU Ministers, Jean Asselborn, in an interview given to the daily, emphasized satisfaction with the fact that Serbia entered into a new phase of relations with the EU.
What opening of the Chapters concretely means for Serbia and what remains to be done?
This is a decisive step for Serbia towards the EU. In practice, this means a lot of work. These are only the first two Chapters among 35. I am convinced that the citizens of your country soon will be able to testify that the efforts are paid off and brought concrete benefits.
Pristina authorities unilaterally suspended implementation of the agreement on A/CSM? Does it make sense to negotiate new topics if dialogue can be blocked in this way?
This is not the happiest development of the situation. Kosovo’s Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended the implementation of the agreement on the Association / Community of Serb municipalities (A/CSM). The opening of the first Chapters should demonstrate to the Serbian side that it is worth to negotiate; it makes sense to invest in favour of the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. The EU and its member states fully price the peace efforts of Belgrade. We clearly stressed that no party can block the other on its path of European integration. We will continue to encourage both sides to resume dialogue, in the interest of peace in the region.
