Thursday, 29 March 2012 - Brussels
Pino Arlacchi (S&D ), in writing . − Dear Mr. President, I welcome the decision of the Council to grant Serbia EU candidate status and I support this Resolution because it is essential to uphold the progress achieved by this country in the reform process. Serbia is the crucial actor in guaranteeing security and stability in the region. I believe, therefore, that accession negotiations should be opened with Serbia as soon as possible, bearing in mind that further advancements in the European integration process are dependent on the improvement of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights.
It is also important to underline the necessity to improve the fight against corruption and organised crime in the country. Indeed we welcomed the reforms to Serbia's judiciary and prosecution service and we call on the Serbian government to increase its efforts to ensure the independence and professionalism of these sectors.
[source:www.europarl.europa.eu]