"I welcome a strong showing of political parties which push for Serbia's integration into the EU. I also find very encouraging that extremist parties failed to cross the threshold for the parliament.

As EP rapporteur for Serbia, I hope that parliamentary parties will soon begin talks on forming the next coalition government, which will take up a reformist, pro-EU agenda. I believe that reaching the agreement on the next new governing coalition before the run off in presidential elections on 20 May, would be a good signal and indication of efficiency of the new government. Regardless of the composition of the new government, Belgrade needs to continue the dialogue with Pristina as soon as possible and to implement the agreements that have already been reached. At the same time, Serbian leaders need to work hard on establishing a genuine rule of law in the country as well as on economic recovery. Therefore, I hope the new government and parliament will commence their work as soon as possible."