Relations between the European Union and Serbia

In accordance with Rule 114(1) of its Rules of Procedure, Jelko KACIN (ALDE, Slovenia) has submitted, on behalf of the group ALDE, a proposal for a Recommendation to the Council on relations between the European Union and Serbia.

Recalling the huge importance of Serbia to stability and prosperity in the region, as well as its EU membership perspective, the proposal for a recommendation pointed to the urgent need for progress in Serbia’s integration into the EU.

In this context, the proposal invites the Council to step up assistance to the Serbian authorities in meeting the requirements of the European Partnership priorities, particularly as regards the rule of law, through enhanced use of twinning and other technical assistance programmes. It also recommends that the Council firmly support the new Serbian Government in its endeavours to establish a modern, dynamic and prosperous Serbia.

At the same time, the proposal recalls that war crimes suspect Ratko Mladić remains at large and, according to the ICJ ruling of 26 February 2007, Serbia remains in violation of the Convention on Genocide by failing to secure his arrest. Accordingly, the proposal urges the Council to take a clear and unequivocal stance as to the definition of ‘full cooperation with the ICTY’ and to underline that conclusion of an SAA agreement will be conditional upon meeting this criterion.