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Social dialogue works to ease transition
Belgrade,
25 April 2005
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica stated today that Serbia’s EU membership is important in order to prevent possible isolation, and because it stimulates economic development by establishing of links with Europe, it strengthens the country’s economic competitiveness, it increases the stability of institutions, and it offers greater security.
At a session of the Socio-Economic Council themed “Social dialogue for economic and social change”, Kostunica stated that to be outside the EU, while situated in this geographical, cultural and economic area, means to be isolated.
The Serbian Prime Minister pointed out at this expanded session of the Socio-Economic Council that wars and sanctions had barred the country’s path towards Europe, but never had brought into question the clear determination of the people in making Serbia-Montenegro a part of Europe.
Kostunica explained that social dialogue is a way to quickly and relatively painlessly overcome this difficult period of transition and privatisation and spur economic growth.
He underlined that the Serbian government cannot lead a social and economic policy without the appropriate participation and consensus of all social partners, and added that the dialogue should not be conducted only on the state level, rather local self-governments and municipalities should also be included.
The Serbian Prime Minister said that unlike the other countries that entered the EU last year, our country is burdened by difficult state issues such as the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and relations between Serbia and Montenegro.
He emphasised that the government has completed most of its work and assessed that the Serbian parliament could work at a faster pace. Kostunica, however, warned that we should not exaggerate by overplaying the negatives, as this would have a harmful influence on the overall image of the business environment viewed in the country and from abroad.
The session of the Socio-Economic Council was attended by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Policy Slobodan Lalovic, who said that the government desires a socially responsible state in which all citizens will feel as part of this society and where no one would feel neglected.
The Serbian Prime Minister pointed out at this expanded session of the Socio-Economic Council that wars and sanctions had barred the country’s path towards Europe, but never had brought into question the clear determination of the people in making Serbia-Montenegro a part of Europe.
Kostunica explained that social dialogue is a way to quickly and relatively painlessly overcome this difficult period of transition and privatisation and spur economic growth.
He underlined that the Serbian government cannot lead a social and economic policy without the appropriate participation and consensus of all social partners, and added that the dialogue should not be conducted only on the state level, rather local self-governments and municipalities should also be included.
The Serbian Prime Minister said that unlike the other countries that entered the EU last year, our country is burdened by difficult state issues such as the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and relations between Serbia and Montenegro.
He emphasised that the government has completed most of its work and assessed that the Serbian parliament could work at a faster pace. Kostunica, however, warned that we should not exaggerate by overplaying the negatives, as this would have a harmful influence on the overall image of the business environment viewed in the country and from abroad.
The session of the Socio-Economic Council was attended by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Policy Slobodan Lalovic, who said that the government desires a socially responsible state in which all citizens will feel as part of this society and where no one would feel neglected.
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