The EU welcomes this endevour of the Serbian Government to engage into structural economic reforms with the ultimate goal to contribute to growth and increase competitiveness and announced measures considers as an addition to reforms launched this summer, said Peter Stano, spokesman of the European Enlargement Commissioner.
“We have been and we still are ready to support Serbia’s reform efforts in this difficult economy situation, including through its IPA funds,” Stano said, recalling that the EU granted Serbia almost 200 M EUR annuallr in support of its pre-accession efforts.
“The measures announced yesterday are basically in addition to the reforms that Serbia adopted over the summer on restructuring of state owned enterprises, reducing rigidities in the labour market, and reform of the pension system. The EU welcomes the steps that Serbia has taken in this regard so far,” Stano said.
“However, to be effective, fiscal consolidation and structural measures to stimulate economic growth and employment need to go hand in hand,” he added.
That is why “the EU is looking forward to Serbia adopting a medium term plan for consolidation, underpinned by credible public sector reforms, and to further reforms to improve the business environment. The EU stands ready to be providing Serbia with substantial support throughout this process,” he said.
“Any government proactive in leading professionally-conducted reforms, transparent towards citizens and all stakeholders, stands every chance of capitalising on support from the EU and other partners in the international community,” Stano added.
