The EU is open to new members and Serbia is on the right path to becoming one, David McAllister, European Parliament standing rapporteur on Serbia, said on Monday, and added that the country has made huge progress over the past several years.

Opening the 15th Economic Summit of the Republic of Serbia at Belgrade's Metropol Palace Hotel, McAllister stated his desire that the first chapters in EU accession talks would be opened this year.

The Western Balkan countries have a clear European perspective. Serbia is on the right path towards the EU, but its length depends on the speed with which the country will carry out its obligations, he pointed out.

McAllister also pointed to four main areas in which it is important to make progress - economy, the rule of law, regional cooperation and the issue of Kosovo.

So, I am talking about Chapters 23, 24 and 35, he said, adding that Serbia has made huge progress over the past several years.

The 15th Economic Summit of the Republic of Serbia started Monday in Belgrade in order to bring together ministers, ambassadors and other officials who should discuss economic recovery.