EU Chief Lists 3 Priorities for Serbia's Accession Path

European Council President Charles Michel has laid out three core priorities for Serbia as it pursues membership in the European Union. Speaking alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade, Michel reaffirmed the EU's commitment to Serbia's European future, describing the accession process as one built on trust.

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Enlargement is based on building trust. The road ahead is demanding but the path is clear.

The first priority Michel highlighted is the development of strong neighborly relations and robust regional cooperation. He stressed that these elements are vital for both security and economic prosperity, specifically pointing to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue as a critical component in this regard. The second priority involves aligning Serbia's policies and values with those of the EU, particularly in foreign and security policy, which Michel identified as foundational to the European project.

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Good neighbor relations and regional cooperation is importat for security and economic prosperity and singled out the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue as a crucial in that regard.

Finally, Michel urged Serbia to accelerate reforms in key areas. These include strengthening the rule of law, implementing recommendations from the Venice Commission regarding judicial laws, fostering a conducive environment for the media, establishing the REM watchdog body for electronic media, and amending the electoral framework in line with ODIHR recommendations. "The road ahead is demanding but the path is clear," Michel stated, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the reforms required for Serbia's EU accession.

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Serbia needs to speed up reforms on rule of law, implement Venice Commission recommendations on judiciary laws, create a good environment for the media and form the REM watchdog body for electronic media as well as amending the election framework in line with ODIHR recommendations before any coming elections.