European Union wants Serbia to join

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PARIS, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot said the European Union wants Serbia to be a member, but it may take several years to finalize.

Appearing at a recent ceremony at the Serbian cultural center in Paris, Barrot urged Serbia to remain patient regarding EU membership, saying it could take five to seven years to accomplish, Serbian broadcaster B92 reported Saturday.

"We want Europe to really be Europe, and that will not be possible without Serbia," Barrot said.

The European Commission official also applauded the Serbian government for its efforts regarding visa liberalization with the European Union.

"It is good that you have someone like President Boris Tadic leading and a Deputy Prime Minister like Bozidar Delic, who will do a lot on that road," Barrot said.

"Many reforms and challenges are ahead of us. I can't say that everything will be easy, but I want to be reminded at the end of our trip that a Serbia that believes in itself is a Serbia that wins," he added.