Opening of first chapters in EU accession negotiations with Serbia is the first goal, but the success and speed of the process will depend on Serbia's progress.

 
This is according to Latvian FM Edgars Rinkevics, who currently chairs the EU Council of Ministers as Latvia on January 1 took over EU's rotating six months presidency.

Rinkevics told the Belgrade-based daily Vecernje Novosti that the key to the progress were implementation of action plans relating to fundamental rights and justice, as well as further progress in reforms, especially in ensuring the rule of law, "and continued dialogue with Kosovo."

"Latvia expects that Serbia and Kosovo will continue to work on further normalization of relations on all levels, as both parties have agreed in the Brussels Agreement in April 2013. The dialogue at a high level after the forming of the government in Kosovo should be continued in the near future, in order to accelerate implementation of existing agreements," said Rinkevics.

He added that there was "no change with respect to the objectives of the dialogue" and that the process, as envisaged in the negotiating framework, should lead to "a comprehensive normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo."

Stating that Latvia, during its presidency of the EU, will "do everything possible to assist in the achievement of progress in European integrations," Rinkevics pointed out that "the pace of integration can be accelerated if the citizens of Serbia and its politicians pay attention to the fact that, regardless the fact that Serbia is already a candidate for membership, it is important to at this time adjust to the attitudes that are part of the common EU foreign policy."

"This could be 'painful', but it is still necessary. And so is the issue of common European values ​​and beliefs in support of democracy and the rule of law," said Rinkevics.

According to him, the EU enlargement process is "a priority" for the Latvian presidency "in the broader context of strengthening the role of the EU as a global actor." He said he was "glad that the Western Balkan countries are moving forward in the process of European integration."

"Each country has its own rhythm, but the process of approaching the EU and its values ​​and gradual integration of policies, is a positive trend. In this regard, I particularly appreciate the commitment of the society and the government in Serbia to negotiations and internal reform process over the past year," said Rinkevics.

He stressed that "enlargement is the most important and most powerful tool in promoting EU reforms in the candidate countries", but reiterated that the pace with each country advances depends on the fulfillment of conditions.

"We will consider it a success if during our presidency further progress of reforms in the Western Balkans has been facilitated, and if we are able to open the first negotiation chapters with Serbia," concluded Rinkevics, who announced that he would visit Serbia "in the coming months."