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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

EU membership only option for Serbia’s sustainable future

Belgrade/Brussels, 4 July 2023

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today in Brussels that the only option for a sustainable and prosperous future for Serbia is to become a member of the European Union, stressing that this is the main strategic priority of our country when it comes to foreign policy.

At a panel discussion organised by the media platform “Euractiv Srbija”, themed “YES, BUT...: Vision of the future of Serbia in the European Union”, Brnabic pointed out that our country is already part of the European Union economically.

Culturally, geographically and historically, we are a part of the European continent and the European family of nations, Brnabic said, pointing out that 65 percent of direct foreign investments in Serbia are from the EU, and that 65 to 70 percent of Serbia’s exports go to EU countries.

She pointed out that this is the path that Serbia has decided to follow, and that it is the best possible path for the country.

The changes we are implementing, in order to become part of the EU, we are introducing in the first place because they are good for our citizens, economy and society, Brnabic pointed out, noting that the European Union is the most successful peace project in the history of mankind.

According to her, Serbia has made the most progress when it comes to the economy, with public debt currently at 51.4 percent, unemployment below nine percent, the budget deficit will most likely be 2.8 percent, while the average salary in Serbia is slowly catching up European Union standard.

Brnabic said that Serbia is also doing well when it comes to the transparency and efficiency of public administration.

She noted that there are still a lot of reforms that need to be implemented, including the full implementation of the media strategy, the fight against corruption, as well as in the human rights and minority rights sector.

I must emphasise that we have fully implemented the reform of the judiciary. We changed our Constitution, with the support of the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission, in order to make sure that our judiciary is completely independent of any political influence, said the Prime Minister.

Brnabic mentioned that there are two more issues that stand between Serbia and its membership in the European Union, namely the normalization of relations with Pristina and the non-introduction of sanctions against Russia.

Speaking about the problem of Kosovo and Metohija, the Prime Minister pointed out that it is one of the biggest challenges, which does not depend only on Serbia.

Unfortunately, in the last 24 months and especially last year, we have had constant tension, provocations and instability. The government of Serbia, with the great support of the President of the Republic, is trying to make the situation as peaceful and stable as possible, Brnabic said.