During his official visit to Serbia - the first ever visit of an European Parliament President to the country - Jerzy Buzek stated:

"I am delighted to be here to personally congratulate the Serbian people for their achievements and continued efforts on the path towards the EU. I fully support Serbia's candidate status, reflecting the view of the vast majority in the European Parliament. The EU is serious about Serbia's future membership.

The European Commission's recommendation on the candidate status was hard-earned. Capturing Karadžić, Mladić and Hadžić is the evidence of good cooperation with the ICTY. Serbia has shown that it is better to look towards the future than to dwell on the ghosts of the past.

Substantial progress was made in other areas as well. They include: strengthening the judicial system, combating corruption, pursuing further economic reforms and improving regional cooperation. Serbia's pragmatism is bearing fruits.

Serbia needs to keep the momentum. More should be done to strengthen the rule of law and the administrative capacity, to create a healthy business environment and eliminate organised crime. Progress on these fronts is in Serbians' interest.

Dialogue with Pristina is and will remain a key element on Serbia's accession path. The EU cannot ignore it, neither can Serbia. Dialogue and normalisation are within hand-reach. They depend on the goodwill of all parties.

I look forward to the confirmation of candidate status and for a date being set for the opening of negotiations."

Note to editors:

TV footage of the visit of the President will be available in broadcast and web quality on Europe by Satellite at the following link:

http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs/schedule.cfm?sitelang=en&page=3&institution=0&date=11/03/2011

Photos will be available for download at the following link:

http://audiovisual.europarl.europa.eu/

• Marcin Grajewski

  Press Team Leader

  Mobile: +32 498 981 550

• Giacomo Fassina

  GSM: +32 498 98 33 10