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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Transformation of society according to European standards favours Serbia’s citizens

Belgrade, 9 November 2011

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic expressed his gratitude to Sweden for supporting Serbia in its application for becoming a member of various multilateral organisations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, or for the OSCE presidency.

Jeremic said at a press conference after the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Carl Bildt that this country's attitude towards European integration of Serbia is well-known and has always been in its favour.

However, he pointed out that there are developments in the EU that are not encouraging for the process of further enlargement.

Nevertheless, Serbia should continue to implement European reforms and transform its society through close cooperation with European partners, whereas formal steps on this path should be expected once European standards are reached, he noted.

Serbia's path towards the EU is a long process and no one should have illusions that there will be a dramatic acceleration in one way or another, Jeremic said, adding that however, this does not mean that Serbia should abandon this goal because the essential transformation of Serbian society according to European standards is in the interest of the citizens of this country with or without EU membership.

Bildt said that Sweden strongly supports the EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans because that is the best and safest way to maintain stability in this part of Europe.

He also noted that European integration and implementation of European reforms are long processes, not something that is solved by making one decision or achieving one goal.

The Minister congratulated Serbia on the positive evaluations of implemented reforms, given in the report of the European Commission, adding that this is of great importance for Serbia’s economy and society as a whole.