European Union’s Foreign Policy and Security chief Federica Mogherini said in Belgrade Serbia was on a good path towards the block’s membership and that EU could open new negotiating chapters with the country during the Bulgarian EU Presidency which ends in June.

Mogherini is on a short tour of the region ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit on May 17 in Sofia, the first after 15 years when the EU leaders met in Thessaloniki to discuss the regional perspective of joining the block.

“We have opened 12 out of 35 chapters (with Serbia) and chances are good that we will open more during the Bulgarian presidency,” Mogherini told reporters at the joint news conference with Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic.

The EU’s official said she was impressed with the energy and willingness for the continuation of reforms needed for the EU membership across the region.

“The message I carry is not only bilateral (with Serbia), but goes for the whole of the Western Balkans, and especially for the four countries,” Mogherini, who before Belgrade, visited Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, said.

She added Podgorica and Belgrade had a tangible perspective for the membership and that both countries were going into right direction, adding she has recognised Serbia’s resolve to continue along the EU path.

Vucic, who Mogherini praised several times during her address for all he has done so far following that path, said Serbia would work to improve the rule of law because that would additionally ensure legal security and attract more investments.

The two talked about the European Commission latest report which said Serbia made some progress, particularly on the economic side, but failed to achieve the same level of reforms regarding the rule of law and freedom of media.

Vucic said that they did not agree on all the aspects which the report pointed out as those where the improvement was not satisfying.

But Mogherini said the two had “excellent talks”, adding that it was known that “we are tough… Some see us as merciless because the report has mentioned areas where no or little improvements have been made.”

But, she added, “the enlargement process involving the Western Balkans is a gift we should give to ourselves in the EU.”