Madame Speaker, Vice prime minister, Excellencies, Distinguished guests,
A Union where peace and stability prevail
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to address you at this evening’s Europe Day reception in this magnificent City Hall.
More than half a century after Robert Schuman’s prophetic words, we have built a Union of 28 Member States that has achieved an unprecedented degree of economic and political integration.
A Union that is, first and foremost, a place where peace and stability prevail and war has become unthinkable. A Union founded on the shared values of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Global challenges
But stability, be it political, economic or financial, is a fragile concept. We have suffered the worst financial and economic crisis since World War II. Our neighbourhood – from Ukraine to Syria, the Middle East and North Africa – remains unstable. Numerous challenges lie ahead of us ranging from terrorism and migration to energy shortfalls. In an increasingly interdependent world, these challenges are not exclusive to Europe.
These are global challenges that we need to address together as a Union and together with Serbia.
EU stands by Serbia’s EU perspective
Because a European Serbia is part of our common vision. There should be no doubt about it. The whole European Union, that is, its institutions and the 28 Member States, firmly stand by Serbia’s European perspective.
Serbia has identified EU accession as its key strategic goal. The Serbian government has embarked on an ambitious economic and structural reform agenda which, I am confident, will contribute to a more attractive business environment, revive growth, improve competitiveness and create new jobs.
We expect now renewed commitment to the rule of law reforms: judiciary, corruption, media, Public administration. All have the potential to make the Serbian administration and institutions more efficient, to improve the confidence and trust of Serbian citizens in their own institutions as well as to improve Serbian citizens’ quality of life. Serbia is also playing a leading and constructive role in the region and is an important foreign policy partner for the EU. Serbia’s Chairmanship in Office of the OSCE is a clear sign of engagement – and at the same time of confidence, of the International Community in Serbia.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Member States are currently assessing Serbia’s state of preparedness in all areas covered by the EU acquis. In all those areas, Serbia’s progress will be the basis on which successful negotiations can be conducted. I am confident that this progress will allow for the first negotiating chapters to be opened soon.
Our support for Serbia’s EU perspective is solid. The European Union and its 28 Member States are Serbia´s biggest providers of assistance, with about 200 million euros each year in grants, without counting the unprecedented 170 million euros provided in the aftermath of last year´s floods.
Serbia has just become the 33rd member of the EU civil protection Mechanism and will have an even better access to assistance and protection against natural disasters.
EU investing in Serbia and Serbia’s youth
The EU is also Serbia’s top partner in terms of trade, investment, and favourable loans. We also “invest” in Serbia’s youth. Almost 200 Serbian students benefitted from the Erasmus programme in 2014. I hope that this number will grow in the years to come, because today’s younger generation will shape tomorrow’s Europe.
Serbia’s strategic choice for the future is clear for all to see. For Serbia it means greater wellbeing and stability in the region. For the EU, accession negotiations have the same priority as before: they will continue with the same spirit and commitment.
Now, let us all raise our glasses to many more Europe Days to come, here in this beautiful city of Belgrade and all over European Serbia.
Živeli!
