The positive assessment of the Feasibility Study is the first, but very important and big step Serbia has made towards an institutional connection with the European Union. At the same time, that is confirmation of Serbia's progress in achieving democratic, political and economic standards in the programme of Stabilisation and Association.
The reforms carried out so far in the field of energy largely contributed to obtaining the positive assessment of the Feasibility Study. The Law on energy was adopted in late July 2004, which is fully harmonised with similar legal acts in the European Union.
On the day of obtaining the positive assessment of the Feasibility Study, the Ministry of Energy and Mining presented the energy development strategy to 2015 in the Serbian parliament, in which, among other things, we clearly defined the route of development of integration processes in Serbia's energy system. In that document, we highlighted the need for harmonisation with EU directives in the field of energy.
On the same day when we presented the strategy, we pointed out to the deputies the need for building new, necessary energy institutions as required by EU directives. We suggested a five-member council of the energy agency, which will be an independent regulatory body and will have its representatives in regional energy bodies. That means gaining the right of decision-making, but also representing our interests in the future energy community, under the EU’s criteria.
I recall that Serbia will sign the agreement on the energy community of Southeastern Europe on July 1. According to the agreement, EU directives will have to be respected and implemented. Also, all necessary institutions will have to be formed in a move to reach a final goal, that is, integration in the pan-European energy market.
This clearly shows that the energy sector gave its contribution in getting a positive assessment of the Feasibility Study. However, what I’d like to stress is that energy is the sector that is crucial for the country’s further economic development, and we are ready for further reforms. We managed to catch up after decades of lagging behind, we know what awaits us, and we know how to carry out the obligations that are ahead of us.
The reforms carried out so far in the field of energy largely contributed to obtaining the positive assessment of the Feasibility Study. The Law on energy was adopted in late July 2004, which is fully harmonised with similar legal acts in the European Union.
On the day of obtaining the positive assessment of the Feasibility Study, the Ministry of Energy and Mining presented the energy development strategy to 2015 in the Serbian parliament, in which, among other things, we clearly defined the route of development of integration processes in Serbia's energy system. In that document, we highlighted the need for harmonisation with EU directives in the field of energy.
On the same day when we presented the strategy, we pointed out to the deputies the need for building new, necessary energy institutions as required by EU directives. We suggested a five-member council of the energy agency, which will be an independent regulatory body and will have its representatives in regional energy bodies. That means gaining the right of decision-making, but also representing our interests in the future energy community, under the EU’s criteria.
I recall that Serbia will sign the agreement on the energy community of Southeastern Europe on July 1. According to the agreement, EU directives will have to be respected and implemented. Also, all necessary institutions will have to be formed in a move to reach a final goal, that is, integration in the pan-European energy market.
This clearly shows that the energy sector gave its contribution in getting a positive assessment of the Feasibility Study. However, what I’d like to stress is that energy is the sector that is crucial for the country’s further economic development, and we are ready for further reforms. We managed to catch up after decades of lagging behind, we know what awaits us, and we know how to carry out the obligations that are ahead of us.