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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

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Joksimovic, Fabrizi: Progress report, economic package at an important moment

Belgrade, 6 October 2020

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Sem Fabrizi presented today to Minister for European Integration Jandranka Joksimovic presented today the annual report of the European Commission on Serbia’s progress for 2020, as well as the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans adopted by the European Commission today.

Joksimovic stressed that there is the necessary political will of the government to define the most important political issues from the EU accession process in the context of the broadest social consensus and that the new government will have a programme course that will continue the accelerated reform process.

She pointed out that the European values to which the Serbian society is mostly committed clearly show that the policy of European integration represents the umbrella policy of Serbia, which is coherently pursued by the government and the President of the Republic.

Such progress and determination of the citizens is the most important result of the process of Serbia's accession to the EU so far and the achievement that the current government leaves as a legacy to the next one, the Minister said.

She added that the report states that Serbia has remained committed to the EU accession process and is implementing the necessary reforms.

The speed of reforms in certain areas varies, which is expected, given their complexity, but it is important that there is no setback in any area. We will carefully analyse all criticisms and recommendations, and accelerate reforms where there are objective delays, Joksimovic pointed out.

According to her, the report states progress in most areas and the achieved level of progress enables further opening of negotiation chapters, with the understanding that the application of the new methodology to the negotiation process in Serbia has not yet taken shape.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fabrizi pointed out that this year the European Union is coming with a comprehensive package which confirms the importance of the Western Balkans.

In the annual report, Serbia will find clear and precise recommendations for addressing key reforms to move faster on the path to EU accession and make the country more economically competitive and environmentally sustainable.

The report placed strong emphasis on deepening and accelerating reforms on political criteria and the rule of law. In particular, the implementation of the OSCE/ODIHR election recommendations and the continuation of inter-party dialogue, the implementation of a new media strategy, the constitutional reform of the judiciary, the transformation of public administration and the fight against corruption and organised crime.

The report also notes positive developments in the economic sector as Serbia develops a fully functioning market economy and has reacted quickly to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) for the Western Balkans, worth more than nine billion euros in IPA grants and a guarantee instrument for the Western Balkans, which has the potential to mobilise up to 20 billion euros in investments, Serbia will find an unprecedented financial package to strengthen long-term socio -economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and to accelerate economic convergence with the EU.

The EIP will foster connectivity and infrastructure, support green and digital transition, and invest in jobs and human capital.

This comprehensive package comes at an important time for Serbia, which is forming a new government. The report should serve as a guideline for accelerating policy reforms. The economic investment plan should support economic recovery and convergence with the EU. Together, they represent Serbia's strong policy and financial tool for faster progress on the road to the EU. I am sure that Serbia will use this great opportunity.

The officials agreed with the fact that Serbia has made significant economic progress in this reporting period and reacted to the COVID-19 crisis in a timely manner.

As it was emphasised, the Enlargement Package and the Progress Report are arriving at the right time, because they will represent an important segment of the roadmap for further reforms for the new government of Serbia.