BELGRADE – European Union and High Representative Federica Mogherini need to demonstrate more firmness and determination in the enlargement process, especially in the Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue, said Chairman of Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee Eduard Kukan.
In addition, he pointed out that the lack of leadership was particularly noticeable by the absence of a reaction to tariffs imposed by Pristina for products from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kukan believes that the possible involvement of the US and Russia in the dialogue would end the process.
“I do not think this is a good idea. It would terribly complicate the situation. The authorities in Pristina are asking for Washington to join, it’s logical for the Serbs to invite the Russians. It wouldn’t help dialogue if they joined, now, after so much time – on the contrary, it would be unhelpful,” he says.
He reminded that the European Commission’s mandate ends in November, underling that there is a lot of time, so the EU High Representative’s responsibility is still present.
“She has to make some moves, continue her role, be more active and involved. At this moment I do not see her leadership at all, and it is necessary,” Kukan explained, adding that moves made by Pristina make things complicated.
According to him, imposing 100 per cent tariffs was a bad idea.
“The EU did not show any authority to stop it. Even the US asked that tariffs be revoked. It is simply unacceptable,” Kukan said.
He also said that it is not impossible that Serbia becomes an EU member by 2025.
“It is not unfeasible, but there are some things that need to be resolved like the dialogue with Pristina. Without it, it is not possible that Serbia makes any progress towards accession process. The dialogue is still frozen,” Kukan explained.
Talking about the Western Balkans, he pointed out that there is no enthusiasm like it used to be, but the process could not be stopped.
“A lot of countries and MEPs are convinced that if we want united EU, we cannot ignore the Western Balkans,” Kukan concluded.