Q:
A:
Djelic, Hübner sign joint statement on regional cooperation
Kragujevac,
23 April 2008
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic and EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner signed today in Kragujevac a joint statement on regional cooperation, which guarantees more balanced regional development and decentralisation.
Author:
Fonet
Djelic said that this joint statement opens a new chapter in cooperation with the European Commission as this document was signed with the best ally in the field of regional development.
He stressed that Serbia must reduce regional discrepancies which in terms of salaries have a ratio of 1:5 and in terms of employees have a ratio of 1:7.
Djelic said that RSD 2 billion will be set aside this year for the development of entrepreneurship in underdeveloped municipalities.
According to him, RSD 700 million was set aside just for Kragujevac for water supply, energy and educational projects.
Djelic noted that Serbia will receive €200 million in IPA funds this year and recalled that candidate countries are already receiving €400 million while member countries, such as Bulgaria, receive five times more than Serbia.
Hübner said that this joint statement is a commitment that the EU will continue to support cross-border cooperation with Serbia and once Serbia becomes an EU member, this European association will continue to support Serbia's regional development within the EU.
She recalled that since 1998 the EU has invested nearly €2 billion in various projects in Serbia.
Djelic and Hübner also visited the Kragujevac University, and after meeting with students, went to the ethno village Tulba near Pozarevac, which is part of the regional cooperation project between Serbia and Romania.
Djelic said that the EU has so far granted €160 million for similar projects, adding that €30.5 million has been set aside for the next three years.
Our goal is to acquire EU candidate status by end-year and certify our financial systems, so that the European budget can be certain that the funds will not be used for some other purposes, explained Djelic and added that if Serbia does that, the funds could be doubled, which means it could get €1 billion.
Hübner pointed to the huge importance of the project to construct ethno village and its importance to the development of tourism and economy in the area.
She said there are many such similar projects throughout Europe and recalled that the point of Europe is not only a joint market, security and policy, but also tradition and cultural treasures of all peoples in the Union.
He stressed that Serbia must reduce regional discrepancies which in terms of salaries have a ratio of 1:5 and in terms of employees have a ratio of 1:7.
Djelic said that RSD 2 billion will be set aside this year for the development of entrepreneurship in underdeveloped municipalities.
According to him, RSD 700 million was set aside just for Kragujevac for water supply, energy and educational projects.
Djelic noted that Serbia will receive €200 million in IPA funds this year and recalled that candidate countries are already receiving €400 million while member countries, such as Bulgaria, receive five times more than Serbia.
Hübner said that this joint statement is a commitment that the EU will continue to support cross-border cooperation with Serbia and once Serbia becomes an EU member, this European association will continue to support Serbia's regional development within the EU.
She recalled that since 1998 the EU has invested nearly €2 billion in various projects in Serbia.
Djelic and Hübner also visited the Kragujevac University, and after meeting with students, went to the ethno village Tulba near Pozarevac, which is part of the regional cooperation project between Serbia and Romania.
Djelic said that the EU has so far granted €160 million for similar projects, adding that €30.5 million has been set aside for the next three years.
Our goal is to acquire EU candidate status by end-year and certify our financial systems, so that the European budget can be certain that the funds will not be used for some other purposes, explained Djelic and added that if Serbia does that, the funds could be doubled, which means it could get €1 billion.
Hübner pointed to the huge importance of the project to construct ethno village and its importance to the development of tourism and economy in the area.
She said there are many such similar projects throughout Europe and recalled that the point of Europe is not only a joint market, security and policy, but also tradition and cultural treasures of all peoples in the Union.
-
Belgrade, 3 June 2026Bizerba continues to develop production in Serbia
-
Belgrade, 2 June 2026Small entrepreneurs driving force of domestic economy
-
Belgrade, 1 June 2026Serbia joins Frontex Partnership Academies Network
-
Belgrade/Shanghai, 28 May 2026Commercial contracts signed with leading Chinese companies
-
Belgrade/Jiaxing, 27 May 2026Serbia entering new phase of technological, industrial development
-
Belgrade, 27 May 2026Dačić extends Kurban Bayram greetings
-
Belgrade/Jinan, 26 May 2026Strengthening international standing, economy through cooperation with China
-
Belgrade/Beijing, 25 May 2026Opening new opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation with China
-
Belgrade, 25 May 2026Serbia committed to developing cooperation with Singapore in field of security
-
Belgrade, 23 May 2026Dačić sends telegram of condolences over tragedy in mine in China