07. 08. 2014

"Chapters 23 and 24 expected to be opened in February"

Belgrade, 7.8.2014 (Tanjug, B92) - Minister without portfolio in charge of EU integration Jadranka Joksimović says action plans for Chapters 23 and 24 would be completed by the end of the year.

According to her, the chapters should be opened in February.

Commenting on the report of the European Commission according to which no progress has been made concerning Chapters 23 and 24 which cover rule of law, fight against corruption, media rights and judiciary reforms, Joksimović underscored that it was a well known fact that there are certain problems in these areas and that these segments of the society are difficult to reform.

"The report from the screening recommends preparation of action plans which will be completed by the end of the year. The action plans will make room for opening the chapters early next year," Joksimović said.

She specified that the action plans will define the institution in charge of the area, the mechanisms and budget allocations for the purpose.

Asked whether this means that the chapters would be opened in February 2015, Joksimović said that the Justice Ministry's working group is already conducting serious action plans, and expressed the expectation that this task will be realized successfully.