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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Promoting openness, respect for diversity in Europe

Belgrade/Milan, 29 September 2017

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic presented today, at the final session of the World Economic Forum in Milan, the results of a working group that analysed migration and border issues.

Brnabic is the first representative of Serbia to chair the working group within the World Economic Forum, comprised of representatives of international institutions, expert organisations, academic institutions, parliaments and ministries from a large number of European countries.

The Prime Minister said that Europe should perceive migration as an opportunity because it can benefit greatly from it if it successfully turns it into an engine for economic growth, while pointing out that it is necessary to improve the integration of migrants into European societies and on labour markets.

A great problem of migration is the fact that the proportion of highly educated migrants in Europe is lower than in North America. The low level of education of migrants in Europe greatly hampers employment and their integration, and therefore investment in educational programmes and professional training for migrants is necessary, it is one of the group's conclusions.

As part of the discussion, the possibilities of applying new technologies and digitization for solving problems of effective border control and control of migrant flows were also considered.

Brnabic said that there was also the possibility of formulating a common European migration policy and the need to respect and apply this policy, adding that it must be linked to other global goals, such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

She said that the working group on migration and borders specifically analysed the possibilities for improving the public image of migrants and the European public opinion towards them.

As one of the global leaders, Europe must strive to make an inclusive society and to endorse values of openness and the respect for diversity, Brnabic underlined.

In addition to the Prime Minister of Serbia, the conclusions from discussions were also presented by leaders of the working groups for democracy and governance, energy sustainability, security and defence, and people-centred economy.

The suggestions, recommendations and conclusions adopted by the working groups will be presented next year at the regular annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The chairmanship of this working group is a recognition to Serbia and all citizens of Serbia for showing great hospitality to migrants and providing help to people who are in trouble.

More than one million people from endangered countries have passed through our country and at no point did we close our borders. Not only that, in this school year, 645 migrant children are attending schools in Serbia, Brnabic pointed out.

According to her, this has been recognized in Europe and the chairmanship of this working group is recognition to Serbia's efforts in the migrant crisis. Brnabic also took part in the work of other panel meetings themed – "The role of Europe in changed circumstances", "Challenges of digitization and the fourth industrial revolution " and "New ideas that can bring about changes in the world ".