Head of European Union Delegation (EU) to Serbia, Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret, together with the Ambassador of Belgium, Koen Adam, Ambassador of Austria, Nikolaus Lutterotti, Ambassador of Portugal, Virginia Mendez da Silva Pina, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Slovakia, Monika Podsklanová Šuhajdová and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Hungary, Zsolt István Nemeti visited today EU funded projects and migrant centres in local municipalities of Vranje, Presevo and Bujanovac met with representatives of local self-governments.
During his visit to the reception centre in Presevo, Ambassador Giaufret pointed out the humanitarian approach to migration that Serbia has taken by providing all migrants with food, health services and education, regardless of their legal status.
“Today, we also visited the works in the Vranje asylum centre, and we are here in the Reception Centre in Presevo because we want to emphasize the importance we attach to cooperation with Serbia on migration and refugee issue. We highly appreciate humane way in which Serbia approached the treatment of migrants and refugees, providing them with basic living conditions. The EU has provided 130 million euros so far, and we will continue to support it, because this is an issue that requires the engagement of everyone. On the International Human Rights Day, I would like to emphasize the importance of the rule of law, democracy and protection of rights of every individual. “Also, Serbia has worked hard to harmonize its migration policy, asylum system and legal framework with the EU acquis, and in a very short time it has done what could otherwise have taken much longer,” said Ambassador Giaufret, emphasizing good cooperation between the EU and Serbia in migration management. “Member countries are involved as partners of Serbia in border control, where together we protect the borders in the fight against smuggling and human trafficking,” concluded Giaufret.
Ambassadors of Portugal and Belgium also expressed satisfaction with what Serbia, the EU and the UNHCR are doing together in Presevo, Vranje, but also other reception centres throughout Serbia.
“I hope that Serbia’s migration policy will continue to follow the basic values of the EU and human rights, and continue to be inclusive, supportive and humane, because above all, we are all human beings,” said Portuguese Ambassador Virginia Mendez da Silva Pina.
“We are here to show support for everything that the EU is doing in Serbia, whether in reception centres, development of small and medium enterprises or in other areas.” We are all stakeholders in this, we are proud that all EU investments have been well used and for the benefit of the citizens”, added the Ambassador of Belgium, Koen Adam.
As stated during the visit, the support of the European Union to Serbia in migration management has amounted to about 130 million euros since 2015, and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration is an important partner when it comes to the implementation of projects in this area.
“We are glad that our EU partners have recognised our responsible approach and we hope that we will continue to work together to meet a major challenge such as migration management,” said Commissioner for Refugees and Migration, Vladimir Cucic.
The delegation also visited the works on the centre for asylum seekers in Vranje, which is financed by the European Union.
During their stay in Vranje, the delegation visited the company Euro Spin, which, with EU support through the EU PRO programme, received new machines, improved production and created new jobs.
“I am glad to be visiting Vranje with fellow ambassadors of EU member states.” An important part of our visit are topics related to the economy and local development, which is why we are here today at Euro Spin. This is a success story about a company who recycles old foam, returns it to production and thus contributes to environmental protection and circular economy. That is why the EU supported this company with non-refundable funds in order to further develop it, because it is harder for young companies to get funds. Through the EU PRO programme, implemented through our partner – UNOPS, the EU has supported more than 200 companies with almost 4.5 million euros, and more than 550 new jobs have been created. “Through this type of assistance, we want to support and encourage good business ideas because we want the Serbian economy to be competitive and ready for the European market,” said Ambassador Giaufret during the visit.
“We are here to see the great work you have done with the funds of the European Union taxpayers. As in Austria, small and medium-sized enterprises are the foundation of a strong and sustainable economy, and that is why it is important to support them, ‘said the Ambassador of Austria, Nikolaus Lutterotti.
The ambassadors also visited the furniture company Woodmania in Presevo, which the EU helped with grants to purchase new equipment.
During the visit, the delegation met with the Mayor of Vranje Slobodan Milenković, Mayor of Bujanovac Nagip Arifi and the President of the National Council of the Albanian National Minority Ragmi Mustaf and confirmed the EU’s commitment to the development of these three local self-governments.
