Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Bozidar Djelic said that Serbia deserves candidate status and a date to start negotiations on EU membership, noting that such goal will not affect state policy on Kosovo-Metohija.

Djelic said in an interview with Beta news agency and portal EurActiv Serbia that Serbia, after meeting all the requirements arising from cooperation with the Hague tribunal and the adoption of laws on restitution and public ownership by the end of September, will completely accomplish its reform agenda, upon which the focus should shift to dialogue with Pristina.

According to the Action Plan from December 2010 we had two responsibilities – in connection with customs seals and in connection with the presentation of interim authorities from Pristina at regional and international forums. These are the topics for dialogue that will be restored on 2 September in Brussels, said Djelic.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that it is very important at this moment not to make inappropriate pressure on Serbia.

Djelic said that there is no doubt that Serbia will request the candidate status and setting a date to start negotiations for accession to the EU.
Commenting on the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Belgrade, said this visit allowed to openly express views of Serbia and Germany, because of which he is satisfied.

He added that the most important thing agreed was to intensify communication between Belgrade and Berlin over the issue of Kosovo-Metohija.

Commenting on a statement by German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Serbia should accept the abolition of Serbian institutions in Kosovo, he said that the idea is ​​"anti-democratic" and that dialogue with Pristina should not be subject of blackmail.

Djelic said that Serbia is ready for dialogue on all outstanding issues, but not in such a way that favours unilateral actions that might lead to violence and loss of lives.

He stressed that Serbia supports a status neutral EULEX.

Commenting on the same level of IPA funds for the period 2014-2020, he said that it is one of three positive steps to support accession to the EU.

The second positive step is that the European Commission has prepared a document which proposes greater flexibility in spending the money, he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted that the draft budget of the EU for linking Europe in infrastructure will dispose with €50 billion and will apply also to countries that are not EU members.

This is good news for Corridor 10, as well as for the construction of railways and motorway to Montenegro with arms to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania, but also for infrastructure works on the Danube, said Djelic.

He added that during Merkel’s visit, it was noted that German companies are investing in Serbia, especially medium-sized ones.

Merkel supported the formation of a Serbian development banks modelled after German KfW, which one of the most successful development banks in Europe and the world, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Djelic also announced that the first Forum on EU-Serbia will gather directors of domestic and foreign companies in Serbia and the region.