The Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic and the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, have discussed today activities in Serbia’s EU accession process, as well as implementation of development aid for socio-economic recovery of our country from consequences of the pandemic and a faster economic approaching to the Union.
Mr Fabrizi congratulated Minister Joksimovic on her new mandate and reassured her of continued support for Serbia’s enlargement process and the necessary reform agenda.
Fabrizi handed the Minister a congratulatory joint letter of the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy, Josep Borell and the EU Commissioner for EU Enlargement, Oliver Varheyli. The letter – inter alia – stresses the need for continued reforms in the areas of rule of law. Together with the normalisation of relations with Pristina, Rule of Law agenda determines the overall pace of the accession negotiations. The letter also indicates the unique opportunity offered by the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans adopted by the European Commission to boost the long-term recovery and economic growth.
Minister Joksimovic said that one of the most important goals the new Serbian Government defined are reforms that will lead to Serbia’s faster EU membership. “This is a reform-oriented Government, determined to improve the rule of law in line with EU recommendations, growth, infrastructure and enable new jobs, and EU support in this is the key”, the Minister pointed out.
As she underlined, holding the political Intergovernmental Conference by the end of this year would be another important signal that EUMS considered Serbia’s responsible policy, guided by the EU recommendations. Joksimovic also said she was grateful to the European Union for having initiated the Economic and Investment Plan for Western Balkans thus enabling the reforms to be backed by substantial financial development aid. “This way EU monitors Government’s firm determination to implement all major steps that will improve lives of our citizens in various areas – from better environment, better public administration and better roads, through to higher growth”, Joksimovic said.
The Minister and the Ambassador discussed the next priorities of the government on its EU path and the important coordinating role of the Ministry of the European Integration. They also discussed the necessity to involve closer civil society, and Joksimovic particularly underlined that this was exactly why a new ministry for human and minority rights and social dialogue was formed within the new government. “Now it is time to move forward and accelerate decisively the EU agenda”, Fabrizi said.
They also discussed the important role of the EU assistance, particularly through the IPA funds, for which Minister Joksimovic is the National Coordinator. Fabrizi said that the new IPA III assistance (2021 – 2027) will require intensified cooperation also in view of the priorities under the Economic and Investment Plan.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the close partnership which makes the EU the first trade partner and investor, and the main donor. In particular, the Minister thanked the EU for the continued support also during the Covid pandemics. Fabrizi and the Minister agreed to intensify their communication and advocacy on the Serbia – EU partnership and friendship.
