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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia to do its share regarding security, corruption, readmission issues

Belgrade, 13 July 2009

Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration Bozidar Djelic said that the EU is ready to open its borders to every Serbian citizen, adding that it is important that Serbia does its share of the job regarding security, corruption and readmission.

Jan Figel, left, and Bozidar Djelic

Author: Fonet

In his opening address at the plenary session of the National Convention on EU in Serbia, Djelic said that on July 15 Serbian citizens will hear some ‘lovely Schengen-related news’, voicing his hope that the European Commission will recommend visa liberalisation for Serbian citizens, as well as for Montenegrins and Macedonians.

Djelic said that after January 1, 2010, yet more tasks await Serbia on its EU road, adding that he expects Serbia to join the accession process in the EU election year, just like Slovakia did, before the six-year EU budget is adopted.

Today Slovakia receives €2 billion from the EU budget, ten times more than we do, Djelic said, comparing Serbia and Slovakia’s EU road, which was the topic of today’s session.

European Commissioner for Education Jan Figel spoke about Slovakia’s experiences in EU integration, stressing that the accession process is the same for all.

Joint responsibility and awareness, which is increasing in Serbia, are the best and fastest ways towards EU integration, he added.

Figel noted that Serbia should try and maintain a consensus in parliament and dialogue with its neighbours.

Speaking about Slovakia’s accession he said that 60% of Slovaks endorsed their negotiating team and showed they had trust in it, which resulted in the talks lasting less than three years, while some other countries negotiated for up to eight years.

He especially stressed the importance of citizens’ awareness, adding that they should be told that the EU market is the most solvent market in the world, a very demanding one too, but one that offers numerous opportunities.

You are a free people, you have equal opportunities and if you remain steadfast when it comes to EU accession, your future will be in your hands, Figel noted.

Deputy parliament speaker and member of the convention Gordana Comic said that people in Serbia are fully committed to the country’s EU integration, adding that parliament has adopted over 60 European laws.

President of the European Movement in Serbia Zivorad Kovacevic noted that EU integration is overwhelmingly supported within parliament, including the largest opposition party.

Kovacevic said that the aim of the National Convention project is to prepare Serbia for the EU.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Education Zarko Obradovic and Minister of Youth and Sport Snezana Samardzic-Markovic as well as Head of the European Commission Delegation to Serbia Josep Lloveras.