Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated tonight, after the EU-Serbia Intergovernmental Conference, that she can confirm that cluster 1 on the basic values has been opened, which is one of the most important within the new methodology accession, as well as that Serbia has fulfilled everything that is expected of it for the opening of clusters 3 and 4.

Brnabic pointed out that Serbia continues with reforms with a focus on the rule of law and expressed hope that two more clusters will be opened during Slovenia's presidency by the end of this year.

We have heard from a significant number of member states that they will support us, and I guaranteed that this progress will continue, because we are doing everything we can for the benefit of our country and the citizens of Serbia, she said.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Portugal for its presidency and support for Serbia on its path to EU membership.

Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic announced that the application of the new methodology to our negotiation process began today, and that Serbia has in fact opened cluster 1, which refers to the basics of the rule of law.

She explained that at the political intergovernmental conference at the highest level, our side stated that Serbia has already actually opened cluster 1 with the fact that five out of five chapters have already been opened.

According to her, that is certainly an important impulse for us and we will continue to work further.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said that talks were held with Prime Minister Brnabic on essential issues, and that Serbia has made enviable progress in the area of the rule of law, but that additional results are expected from it.

He said that a "new momentum" has been created and confirmed that the Commission is ready to strengthen the dynamics of the accession process during Slovenia's presidency.

We expect more results from Serbia, and that is a strong message that the Prime Minister heard from all of us tonight, Varhelyi pointed out and said that everyone from the Enlargement Commission is ready to help Serbia progress faster towards the EU.

www.srbija.gov.rs

22 June 2021