Prime Minister Cvetković reiterated and conveyed to the ambassadors the firm commitment of the Republic of Serbia as well as the overall social consensus in respect of Serbia’s European orientation and its association with the EU, the proof being Serbia’s submission of the application for full-fledged EU membership in December 2009. The Prime Minister gave a brief overview of the economic situation in Serbia followed by prospects for the upcoming period. In addition, the Prime Minister presented the results of the Interim Trade Agreement implementation and underlined the importance of strengthening economic cooperation in the region. Prime Minister Cvetković also reflected on the most significant laws which have been adopted in the course of the last year and announced further activities aimed at vigorously pursuing the European integration process.
Ambassador Degert recalled the positive achievements in Serbia-EU relations in 2009 marked by the implementation of visa liberalisation for travel to the Schengen area and the entry into force of the Interim Agreement. He acknowledged the practical benefits these developments brought to ordinary citizens who now enjoy an opportunity to travel freely, as well as the new opportunities for the business community and investment climate offered by the Interim Agreement. Ambassador Degert noted that the year ahead brings new opportunities, but also new challenges, following the submission of Serbia’s candidacy for membership. He stressed the need to keep the positive momentum in relations between the EU and Serbia and to continue the process of reforms in the country. The EU ambassadors conveyed to the Prime Minister their full support in that respect.
