Q:
A:
SAA brings trade benefits to Serbia
Belgrade,
14 July 2008
Head of the Serbian government’s EU Integration Office Tanja Miscevic said today that the initialling of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU is important since trade benefits which the EU gave to Serbia in 2001 will last until 2010.
Author:
Tanjug
At the presentation of a World Bank report on EU integration of the Western Balkans, held at the Palace of the Government of Serbia, Miscevic explained that Serbia needs the SAA so that it can continue to trade with the EU with benefits and without customs duties.
On the other hand, we are embracing the harmonisation of domestic legislation voluntarily, and that means that we accept EU standards so that we can continue to trade with EU countries, Miscevic said.
Another important moment is becoming part of regional integration processes - CEFTA, energy community, air transport community and further transportation networks.
She particularly emphasised, in relation to these areas, that Serbia will become part of the EU much earlier than it acquires actual membership and they are most advantageous as well, due to a secure energy supply and the possibility of expanding transport corridors, said Miscevic.
The ratification of SAA is the first step in this process, and is also the first step towards EU membership, while the next step will be joining the EU, said Miscevic.
She stressed that in order to quicken the pace of EU integration the government must first complete education reforms, since Serbia must change itself to a certain degree in order to compete on the international market.
It is also important to have a very clear development strategy; what we are offering to Europe and what are our economic advantages. We have several strategies and national integration programmes, but we need a single very clear development programme for Serbia, said Miscevic.
She recalled that the transitional trade agreement between Serbia and the EU, which will be valid before the EU ratifies the SAA, will come into force by a unanimous decision by EU member states, and that is linked to fulfilling obligations towards the Hague tribunal.
On the other hand, we are embracing the harmonisation of domestic legislation voluntarily, and that means that we accept EU standards so that we can continue to trade with EU countries, Miscevic said.
Another important moment is becoming part of regional integration processes - CEFTA, energy community, air transport community and further transportation networks.
She particularly emphasised, in relation to these areas, that Serbia will become part of the EU much earlier than it acquires actual membership and they are most advantageous as well, due to a secure energy supply and the possibility of expanding transport corridors, said Miscevic.
The ratification of SAA is the first step in this process, and is also the first step towards EU membership, while the next step will be joining the EU, said Miscevic.
She stressed that in order to quicken the pace of EU integration the government must first complete education reforms, since Serbia must change itself to a certain degree in order to compete on the international market.
It is also important to have a very clear development strategy; what we are offering to Europe and what are our economic advantages. We have several strategies and national integration programmes, but we need a single very clear development programme for Serbia, said Miscevic.
She recalled that the transitional trade agreement between Serbia and the EU, which will be valid before the EU ratifies the SAA, will come into force by a unanimous decision by EU member states, and that is linked to fulfilling obligations towards the Hague tribunal.
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