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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

EU strategic priority, focus of Serbia

Belgrade, 12 March 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said today at the online Tirana Economic Forum that the European Union (EU) is a strategic priority and focus of Serbia because it wants to become a member of the EU as soon as possible.

Brnabic noted that since its beginning, the process of European integration was at moments very difficult and frustrating, but that it was the only way.

The EU and the family of European nations is our home to which we belong geographically, politically and economically, and that is why we are continuing the reforms, Brnabic underlined.

The Prime Minister pointed out that it is up to EU members and the Union itself to decide when Serbia will become a member, and that Serbia's goal is certainly to reform its public administration, economy and establish the rule of law as soon as possible.

We sincerely appreciate all the support that comes from the delegations of the European Commission and the EU in Serbia and EU members in this reform process, because it will improve the quality of life of citizens, which is of essential importance, said the Prime Minister.

She thanked European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi for supporting enlargement and sharing enthusiasm for admitting new members along with Serbia and countries in the region in these difficult times.

Nevertheless, Brnabic noted that it seems to her that in some EU member states during 2020 and this year there has not been much mood for enlargement, but that this is understandable due to the coronavirus pandemic and other priorities.

We must use this time to focus more on reforms, Brnabic emphasised and added that we need to go even further towards regional integration.

The Prime Minister pointed out that in this way, the countries in the region will make the Western Balkans stronger by connecting and contribute to everyone moving faster towards the EU.

Regarding the vaccination and how Serbia is so successful in that process, she stated that 20% of the adult population in Serbia has been vaccinated so far, while approximately 680,000 people have received the second dose, and that vaccination takes place with the same force every day.

Brnabic also said that she highly appreciates the help and support of the EU, and added that she understands all the challenges that the EU is facing, as one big and complex mechanism, certainly a strong system, although sometimes it reacts a little slower at the beginning.

I am sure that all EU partners in the Western Balkans will receive additional EU assistance, we are looking forward to that, because it will be very useful to us, said Brnabic.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that such a successful vaccination process is the result of successful reforms that Serbia has undertaken on its EU path.

Public administration has been reformed, we have introduced eGovernment, we have insisted on digitalisation, on transparency, efficiency of public administration. All these reforms have given us a strong impetus without which we would not be able to implement such a massive successful vaccination campaign, the Prime Minister explained.

She pointed out that when you work strategically, as Serbia does, on your European path, you become stronger, and the result is success in such things as vaccination.

The online Tirana Economic Forum also features European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, prime ministers of North Macedonia and Montenegro Zoran Zaev and Zdravko Krivokapic respectively and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zoran Tegeltija.