Meeting with the Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Italy

Minister Amendola said that he brought to Belgrade a strong message of support for enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkans. He emphasised that Italy seeks that the new European Commission - as of the beginning of its mandate - presents a clear plan which would also contain the acceleration of negotiations with Serbia. „Enlargement to the Western Balkans would - as a geopolitical priority - represent a historic step for the European Union", said Minister Amendola.  

 

President Vučić thanked for the continuous support of Italy to the Eurointegrations of Serbia, and particularly for the intensified efforts of Italy to place the European integrations of Serbia and the region into the focus of the European Union in the coming period. In this context, he assessed as important the message of the sixteen EU members to the European Commission, where Italy was one of the initiators, stating that the European integrations pose as the best approach to implement long-lasting stability and security of the Western Balkans, as well as the proposal of the new methodology prepared by Italy and eight other EU member states.  

 

President Vučić said that Serbia continues its process of reforms required for joining the European Union. He also pointed out the need for a clear strategic plan of the EU enlargement and the membership timeframe, as the European integration process remains to be important for peace and stability in the region. President Vučić emphasised that Serbia will continue to promote the policy of peace and cooperation upholding the same objective of regional stability. 

 

Minister Amendola said that the initiative for application of four freedoms - the movement of people, goods, services and capital in the Western Balkans is very significant for the region and that Italy renders its support to it.  

 

The two interlocutors emphasised their satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations between Serbia and Italy, which this year marked ten years as of the establishment of the strategic partnership and 140 years as of the establishment of diplomatic relations. They said that the common goal is to utilise all the opportunities for strengthening of economic and any other cooperation and that the two countries should continue with the practice of holding joint Government sessions. 

 

Minister Amendola said that the Italian business community is very satisfied with the operating conditions in Serbia and that their interest in extending business operations is notable. 

 

VIDEO AND PHOTO MATERIALS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE FTP SERVER OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE. 

 

Belgrade, 

17th December 2019