“We firmly believe that Serbia’s rightful place is within the family of democratic European countries and as soon as possible, when conditions are right, as a full member of the EU. As demonstrated by all past experiences, enlargement brings benefits both to the Union and to acceding states. There is now a growing consensus in the EU about the need to deepen EU-Serbia relations. The next major step forward should be the full implementation of the interim agreement. I hope that continued progress in relation to co-operation with the ICTY will enable this to happen sooner rather than later. Another major step should be – and I am convinced will be – made with visa liberalisation, which will allow people, culture and ideas to travel without restrictions. ” Degert said.
The Delegation of the European Commission to Serbia is the third largest delegation of the Commission in the world, which itself is a sign of the European Commission’s commitment to Serbia.
The European Commission through its Delegation in Belgrade accompanies and supports Serbia’s European integration process and the implementation of the necessary reforms. From the EU budget alone, the Commission with its Member States is investing a billion Euros to support the preparation for accession and the reform of the state and economy.
Ambassador Degert assumes his post in Belgrade after spending four years as Head of Delegation in Zagreb. He has nine years of knowledge and expertise working on enlargement out of his 22 years of working experience at the Commission. He holds masters degrees in political sciences, European affairs and law and a post-graduate diploma in political sciences.
Born in Strasbourg in 1960, he is married and has 4 children.
