Joksimovic: SNS applies for EPP in February at latest

BELGRADE - The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) will apply for the role of an associate member or observer in the European People's Party (EPP), SNS International Secretary and Minister in charge of European affairs Jadranka Joksimovic said.

In a statement for the Belgrade-based daily Danas, Joksimovic said that since Serbia has not become a member of the EU yet, SNS cannot be granted full EPP membership and will instead apply for the status of an associate member of observer.

She noted that after SNS submits its application, EPP representatives will visit Serbia to learn more about the work of the party as the central party in the government coalition.

Last year, SNS was admitted in the EPP caucus in the Council of Europe.

EPP gathers centre-right European parties and includes 78 members from 39 countries. It is the most influential political group in Europe and its significance and influence stretches from the Council of Europe to the European Parliament. EPP also has considerable impact on the adoption of most important decisions in the EU and a large number of European countries, the daily says.

The list of EPP members includes the United Regions of Serbia, a party that disappeared from the Serbian political scene after the extraordinary parliamentary elections on March 16, 2014. Other Serbian parties in EPP include the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians, Democratic Alliance of Kosovo headed by Isa Mustafa and the Croatian Democratic Union. The list of most important full EPP members includes the German government party Christian Democratic Union, Danas said.

Photo Tanjug, T. Valic (archive)