EU's Varhelyi urges Serbian opposition to participate in upcoming elections

My message to the opposition is to in these meetings create a common minimum. I told them they should participate in the elections - says the European Commissioner for Enlargement

EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Commissioner Oliver Varhely said he called on opposition representatives to participate in the elections, as he believes that all actors in the parliament need to be involved in implementing reforms on the European path.

"My message to the opposition is to in these meetings create a common minimum. I told them they should participate in the elections, be a part of the new parliament," Varhelyi told TV Prva, after meeting yesterday with representatives of the opposition SzS alliance.

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He added that he has seen some positive signs with inter-party dialogue, so there are positive tendencies and he believes this will continue.

He said that for his country, Hungary, it was very important during the accession process, that there was a common national minimum, that all actors on the political scene agreed on the reforms needed for EU membership.

Without that, he added, it is very difficult to achieve EU membership.

"Ruling majorities come and go, but the challenge is always the same - reforms must be implemented," he told TV Prva.

Speaking about EU's new enlargement methodology, Varhelyi says that it is not purposefully designed for Serbia, but that Serbia can join it if it wants. It helps strengthen European influence in the region, but also helps the region.

"It is up to Serbia to decide," he said, adding that many elements must be taken into account, because Serbia is already in negotiations.

"It's a more complex decision. The Serbian government will have to make a choice. In the new methodology, I personally find it attractive that reforms and accession negotiations can be accelerated for a country that is already negotiating," he said.

The new methodology was made due to the serious objections raised by many members, and the two main priorities are to strengthen EU's credibility and presence in the Western Balkans.

"You cannot become an EU member without meeting the clear Copenhagen criteria, you must have a functioning market economy, the other criterion is that you have good neighborly relations with all partners," he said.

Asked what good neighborly relations mean for the EU regarding Kosovo, he says "a long-term peaceful solution."

It is up to the actors to decide and formulate a plan, Varhelyi says, adding that he is ready to help.

"Without Serbia and Kosovo sitting at the same table and formulating solutions, this will not happen. I understand the sensitivity of the issue and that Kosovo's taxes are blocking the start of negotiations," he said.

Without resolving the issue, there will be no EU entry for Serbia, he concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/ Tanjug)