According to the latest survey conducted by the Ministry of European Integration every six months, 55 percent of Serbian citizens support Serbia's membership in the EU, which is three percent more than in the second half of 2017, while at the same time the percentage of citizens who oppose this has dropped and currently amounts to 21 percent, stated Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović.
Joksimović has told Tanjug that in the past seven or eight years, citizens' support for EU membership has varied considerably and that the changes and amplitudes of attitude have been substantial, in line with the changes in the EU itself and in the position of Serbia.
The results of the latest survey on citizens' support for European integration in the first six months of this year represent a significant change for the Minister, given that, in the previous two years, this percentage has ranged between 42, 45 and 47 percent.
The Minister has said that the latest results are very good because they show, above all, the maturity of Serbian citizens, and that they understand the process of European integration, although it is undoubtedly a political process.
She is of the opinion that, regardless of the problems that actually exist, citizens still perceive that the time of lamenting over fate and injustice is a thing of the past and that we, as a society, need to reach an agreement and tread in a direction that definitely provides a better perspective.
“Will everything play out in the most successful way we want, no one can guarantee that, but I think it is crucial to take the direction that provides us with more opportunities, obligations and work, as well as more chances”, underlined Minister Joksimović, who also acts as the national coordinator for pre-accession funds.
The biggest benefits that citizens see from potential membership in the EU are, as the minister has pointed out, that it primarily provides a path to a better future for young people, the opportunity for new jobs and free movement within the EU.
“You can travel and, when you become a member, possibly work in another country, but on the other hand, if you remain in your country you will have more chances, as new standards, new investments, new jobs will arrive”, noted the minister.
Joksimović has emphasized that citizens attach considerable importance to the fight against corruption, healthcare system reforms, rule of law, agriculture and environmental protection.
“All these are vital areas for citizens, who believe that they will certainly be better regulated if Serbia becomes a member of the EU or regulated in this period while we are negotiating membership”, Joksimović has stated.
She has recalled that the credible enlargement strategy was presented in February, that Serbia receives EUR 200 million in EU grants from EU pre-accession funds annually, further mentioning cross-border cooperation projects and the rehabilitation of local infrastructure - roads, hospitals, schools and public administration reform.
“All these are benefits that citizens ultimately see as an important segment of development”, stated the Minister.
She has also emphasised the importance of good relations with EU Member States, and in this regard stated that President Aleksandar Vučić and the Government of the Republic of Serbia have continued this trend with both Germany and France, with which relations are intensifying, as well as with many other EU Member States.
“That, of course, provides better political stability, which results in new investments and new jobs”, said Joksimović.
She has highlighted that European integration is indeed a process that benefits everyone.
“Why would the citizens of Serbia miss this opportunity when a chance already exists”, wondered Joksimović.
Source: Tanjug
