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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia-Montenegro’s EU integration welcomed by majority of Serbian population

Belgrade, 19 October 2005

Director of the Serbian Office of EU Integration Tanja Miscevic said today that in case of a referendum on Serbia’s association with the European Union, 64 percent of the population would vote for it.

Tanja Miscevic

Speaking at a press conference at which results of a survey on EU integration were presented, Miscevic said that the number of Euro-enthusiasts is still quite large, but has fallen against last year.

Miscevic said this is a common trend in countries that are in the process of stabilisation and association and it implies that as the country gets closer to the EU the percentage of people becoming aware of obligations towards Europe grows, while direct and concrete support lessens.

She said that there is a significant relationship between Europe and a European future for the youth since 57 percent of Serbian citizens, when asked what European integration means to them on a personal level, answered that it gives better prospects to the young population. According to Miscevic, surveys have shown that the majority of the population has reacted positively to EU association. She added that 20 percent of the population associates better living standards with the EU, as well as improved conditions and a progressive society, while 15 percent of them look upon European integration as an opportunity to travel, work and study.

Negative associations have been recorded with 14 percent of citizens and are related to the bombing and sanctions, neocolonialism, fear of ultimatums and exacting demands by the EU, unemployment and low living standard, Miscevic added.

As much as 66 percent of citizens see EU enlargement as an opportunity for the EU to increase its influence worldwide, which is a positive conclusion that cannot be found in EU member states, Miscevic said and explained that this shows a high level of awareness and understanding of what the EU is all about.

When it comes to fears related to Serbia’s EU accession, 54 percent said Serbia’s EU entry will lead to an increase in drug trafficking and crime, 47 percent think it would burden the country with a great deal of financial expenses, 43 percent are afraid of negative effects on home agriculture, whereas 41 percent fear the loss of the European identity, she added.

According to the research, 40 percent of citizens believe Serbia will join the EU by 2010 or 2015, while 20 percent think this will not be achieved until after 2015, Miscevic concluded.