About 100 representatives from the European Movement International (EMI) member organisations gathered last week on 27 May 2011 in Belgrade for the annual Members Council meeting. Taking place at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, the Council was preceded by a debate on the theme of “Serbia’s Accession to the EU,” coinciding with the historic arrest of accused war criminal Ratko Mladić, which is expected to have important implications in quickening the process of Serbian accession to the EU.

Božidar Djelić, Vice President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, commented on Mladic’s arrest and Serbia’s EU aspirations, saying that “the most important thing is to do what it takes to have lasting peace in the Balkan region. Suspects of serious crimes need to be brought to justice as an expression of responsibility and as a precondition for democratic development and increased credibility.” He continued by saying that the arrest of Ratko Mladic is a strong signal and that “Serbia is looking forward to fulfilling its entire agenda in the framework of the accession procedure. The European integration process is a way to accelerate the country’s positive development towards Europe.”

Mr Djelić further remarked that “the EU enlargement funds nevertheless have to become more significant, going alongside with a European agenda setting and with pro-European political parties, giving some reality and a political translation to Serbia’s European perspective.”

Vincent Degert, Head of the Delegation of the EU in the Republic of Serbia, noted that Mladic’s arrest “shows that Serbia is a country of the rule of law, a country that respects its commitments and that is attached to international justice, sending a strong message to the EU.” He further expressed his appreciation for the ongoing reform process of the Balkan region and the essential progress being made in the past years.

He highlighted that “regional cooperation between the Balkan countries has been established, creating a special momentum in the region. In this regard, 2011 is a key-year as the negotiations with Croatia are about to be concluded, proving to all countries in the region that change is possible and that the criteria for EU accession can be met. Serbia is welcome as part of the EU but still has to also implement further internal reforms, for example, relating to the integration of minorities.”

Mr Degert underlined this statement saying that it is necessary “to further enhance the dialogue between the EU and Serbia and its citizens. The network of the European Movement can significantly contribute in this regard.”      

Pat Cox, EMI President and Chair of the debate, expressed that from his point of view “there are currently two major feelings that in a way weigh in on the enlargement process. In one way, for many of the more mature member states of the European Union, public opinion feels a certain enlargement fatigue. It is equally true, that states that are engaged in the accession process in the region suffer from process fatigue.” He concluded that “as a pan-European network, the European Movement can observe both sides, give the right answers and make suggestions to overcome the remaining obstacles.”

On behalf of the EMI, Secretary General Diogo Pinto complimented the European Movement in Serbia and expressed his gratitude to Maja Bobic, Secretary General of EM Serbia, and all the staff of the Serbian National Council for the excellent organisation and outstanding hospitality.
The next statutory meeting, the EMI Federal Assembly, will be held on 25 and 26 November 2011 in Warsaw, Poland.  
For the EMI Members Council declaration on the Western Balkans, please click here
For pictures of the EMI Members Council, please click here

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Editors’ Note: The EMI Members Council meets at least once a year. It reviews the work of the Board in its implementation of the policies, projects and activities of the European Movement. The EMI network currently encompasses 72 National Councils and International Member Associations, bringing together representatives from European organisations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.