Assessment visit to Serbia
Wed 21 Apr 2010
On Friday 16 April the European Forum in cooperation with the S&D Group in the European Parliament organised an assessment visit to Serbia to analyse the political situation on the ground considering Serbia’s EU integration and recent political developments. The visit included meetings with government representatives, social democratic parties and partner foundation, journalists and the outgoing governor of the Bank of Serbia who set out the economic situation in Serbia. The delegation was headed by Hannes Swoboda, Vice-President of the S&D Group and Jan Marinus Wiersma, Vice-President of the European Forum.
Among others the delegation was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremić, Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration and Minister of Science and Technological Development Božidar Djelić, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Oliver Dulić, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minster of Interior and President of SPS Ivica Dačić and President of SDP Serbia and Minister of Labour and Social Policy Rasim Ljajić. In addition, the political developments and party positions in the political spectrum were discussed with social democratic partners in Serbia.
The meetings proved to be of great value for the delegation. The commitment of Serbia towards EU integration (most important political goal), regional cooperation (relations with Croatia and Albania have been improved) and cooperation with the Hague Tribunal was strongly expressed during the meetings. Concerning Kosovo, the government of Serbia is expecting a positive ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the Serbian position, which according to them would make an end to recognition of Kosovo by other countries and force the Kosovo authorities back to the negotiation table to find a solution — a political formula which will solve practical issues — which is acceptable for both parties. In addition, government representatives expressed their commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, it is worthwhile mentioning that despite the difficult economic situation, the ruling coalition seems to be stable.
The day ended with a dinner with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, National Democratic Institute and journalist from Serbia, during which Kosovo was the most popular subject of discussion.
Logistically, the assessment visit could not have taken place without the help of the Centre of Modern Skills and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
If you want to receive more details on the mission please send an email to: dtadic@pvda.nl
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