STRASBOURG – European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sent a “Letter of Intent” to the President of the European Parliament and to the chairperson of the Council of the EU yesterday, announcing that the European Commission plans to create the Strategy for the successful accession of Serbia and Montenegro to the European Union by the end of next (2018.) year, with a perspective of accession to the EU in 2025.
In one of the ten priorities of the “Roadmap for a More United, Stronger and More Democratic Union” Serbia and Montenegro are mentioned as the main candidates from the Western Balkans to join the European Union, whose strategy for successful accession should be created.
As stated, “particular emphasis is placed on the rule of law, fundamental rights and the fight against corruption and on the overall stability of the region.”
In addition to the speech on the State of the Union, President Junker, along with First Vice President Frans Timmermans, also sent a Letter of Intent to the President of the European Parliament and to the Chairman of the Council of the EU, which details the activities the Commission intends to take through legislative policy and other initiatives by the end of next year.
Each year in September, the President of the European Commission speaks to the European Parliament on the “State of the Union”, taking into account the achievements of last year and presenting priorities for the next year.
In this way, starts a dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for the preparation of the Commission’s Work Program for the next year. After that, the President sends a Letter of Intent to the President of the European Parliament and to the chairperson of the Council of the EU, which is specifically foreseen by the 2010 “Framework Agreement on the Relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission” .