Time for Serbia to join EU

BELGRADE - The Italian government will continue its efforts aimed at making the Serbia-EU talks increasingly profitable and progressive, Italy's Secretary of State for European Affairs Sandro Gozi has told the Danas daily.

The European Union will have to become more involved, not only in terms of bilateral relations, but also in terms of continuing its enlargement in the Western Balkans, Gozi said, noting that it is time for Serbia and Montenegro to follow the footsteps of Slovenia and Croatia.

The government of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi intends to back Serbia in light of the two countries' long-standing and strong ties, he added.

That is why we believe that Serbia should continue on the path towards the European Union, at its own pace, of course, but on a clearly set path, Gozi said.

Asked about Italy's priorities during its EU presidency, which starts on July 1, he said that Italy has one major priority - a Europe of growth.

That means devoting more attention to employment, as well as to many other issues related to sustainable development and growth, Gozi said.

These are primarily the issues of energy resources, the policy on the Mediterranean, a unified digital market, industrial policies and sustainability and environmental protection, Gozi explained, noting that Italy will work towards and advocate for a less bureaucratic Europe that is closer to citizens.

Photo Tanjug/S. Radovanovic (archive, illustration)

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