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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Europe Serbia’s strategic partner in science

Belgrade, 29 June 2009

Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration and Minister of Science and Technological Development Bozidar Djelic today stated that Europe has clearly shown that it is Serbia’s important strategic partner concerning science and that it will set aside considerable amount of money for the development of Serbia’s scientific infrastructure and technology.

Author: Tanjug

At a press conference, following the meeting “Serbia: Towards Integration into the European Research Area”, Djelic pointed out that by participating in framework research and technological development programmes Serbia has been granted €28 million, which enabled Serbia’s scientific institutes to work in accordance with EU standards.

He stressed that European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik, who also participated in today’s meeting, secured Serbia’s participation in projects for the Western Balkans.

The realisation of the projects, which will cost €8 million, will start in late July and will be completed in October, he said, adding that Serbia may receive from one-half to two-thirds of the money.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that nuclear decommissioning of the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, which will cost €5 million, will also be financed by EU funds.

Djelic presented a draft strategy for the development of science and technology in Serbia for the following five years, announcing that a public debate will start today.

The main aim of the strategy is to secure sustainable economic development, as well as to enable at least one-half of Serbian scientists to work in the private sector.

One of our goals is to have 1% of GDP set aside for science, one third of which provided by the private sector.

Potocnik pointed out that the European Commission considers Serbia as a full-fledged member of European scientific and research community, adding that we should help Serbia to continue developing in this respect, as one day it will be able to produce knowledge and technologies which will considerably contribute to the quality of life all over the EU. The European Commissioner recalled that in 2007 and 2008 Serbian researchers submitted more than 600 projects with a 15% success rate.

Regional cooperation is very important, Potocnik stressed, adding that Serbia should focus on improving cooperation between the scientific sector, industry and SMEs.