Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has spoken with EU Commissioner for budget and human resources Günther Oettinger about the models and ways in which Serbia, as a candidate country, will use EU development funds that will serve the development of the country.
Joksimović has assessed that the mentioning of possible timeframe for acceptance of new members (2025) in the EU Enlargement Strategy is very important for Serbia, because the Union thus demonstrates that it notices, acknowledges and values the Serbia’s activities in the accession process. In addition, she pointed out that the indicative date of EU accession sends a clear message to the citizens that the membership is an attainable and realistic goal. At the same time, that is an incentive for Serbia to continue with the reforms, and, in this way, to demonstrate its pro-European orientation.
The Minister of European Integration has noted that the current EU budget proposal includes significantly increased allocations for pre-accession assistance to candidates and potential candidates (IPA). This is important for research, development of economy, and particularly agriculture and sustainable regional development.
Commissioner Oettinger has explained that, although the EU budget for 2021-2027 does not envisage funds for new, potential, members, there is a possibility to allocate them. He recalled that that was the case when Croatia was accepted to the Union, adding that, when new accession happens, the participation of the new member state in the EU programmes will be considered through special legal acts.
Oettinger has emphasised that the new EU budget provided for significantly increased funds for pre-accession assistance to the Western Balkans - they depend on the performance and the progress a candidate country achieves in the accession process, whereby the region is approaching the EU.
Joksimović and Oettinger have agreed to maintain regular consultations in the following period regarding Serbia’s expectations related to the new financial perspective, the way of using the funds and the area in which they will be used.
The EU Commissioner has commended the established structure for programming IPA funds in Serbia, emphasising the importance of further capacity building, so that, when it becomes an EU member, Serbia would be a good example for using a considerably larger cohesion and structural funds.
The interlocutors have agreed that the cohesion policy and equal and sustainable regional development are the best EU common policy whose benefits have been enjoyed by all its citizens.
Source: Tanjug
