First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic estimated that the decision to open Chapters 23 and 24 was solely the result of Serbia's firm and resolute position, which clearly indicated to the EU that Serbia wanted mutual respect and that it would not stand being blackmailed and humiliated.

"That is the only way to defend the interests of our state, along with the continuation of our European path. I hope that the EU has drawn lessons from this, and that there will be no more double standards concerning Serbia.

At the same time, the decision is also a recognition for the consistent policy of reforms implemented by the Government of Serbia and Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, which saw yesterday, at the Summit in Paris, full verification by the leaders of the major countries of Europe and of the EU itself."