Libor Rouček, S&D vice-president for foreign affairs and EU enlargement, said:

"This is a milestone decision for Serbia, with positive implications for the entire Western Balkan region. Having made decisive progress on Kosovo and other vital reforms, Serbia fully deserved to receive a date for the opening of accession negotiations.

"Serbia's journey toward EU membership is gaining momentum, but there is still considerable work ahead for Belgrade, in particular full implementation of the Kosovo agreement.

"Today's decision is also a good moment for EU enlargement policy, which once again proved its credibility and resilience. It shows that when a candidate country delivers on its commitments, it leads to tangible results in the accession process."

Maria Eleni Koppa, S&D MEP and shadow rapporteur on Serbia, said:

"The leaders of the EU took the right decision today – a decision that is important for Serbia but also for the future accession of all Western Balkan countries. As we welcome Croatia as a full EU member, we are also sending the right signal that the EU is not abandoning its enlargement policy, despite the economic crisis and growing Euroscepticism. Above all the decision is a fair recognition of the impressive progress Serbia has made in the reform process.

"We congratulate the people of Serbia on their efforts and this success.

"We are confident that this level of political commitment will strengthen their reforms, make a success of the Belgrade-Pristina agreements and bring Serbia into the European family."

Zdroj: http://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu, 28.6.2013