The European Union signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia on 29 April in Luxembourg.

EU Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn stated at the General Affairs and External Relations Council that the signing of the SAA sends a powerful signal to the Serbian people of their European perspective. It is a milestone that marks the gateway to eventual candidacy.

“European integration has proven to be a powerful unifying force throughout Europe. It has brought peace and prosperity to millions of European citizens. It can do the same for Serbia”, the Commissioner stressed.

After the Agreement with Serbia was signed, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security policy (CFSP) Javier Solana issued the following statement:

“The signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia is a powerful signal to the people of Serbia that their future lies in Europe. The people of Serbia will share the security, prosperity and freedom of movement that is already enjoyed today by the citizens of the European Union”, Mr Solana said.

“The European Union will not be complete until the countries of the region have joined the family. Today, we have taken an important step towards this objective," Solana emphasized.

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Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) are framework agreements that the European Union concludes with the Western Balkan states to mark the gateway to potential EU membership candidacy.

In November, 2007, EU and Serbia initialed an SAA, but the signing process was delayed as the EU called Belgrade to enhance cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. >>> read more