Serbian Progressive Party is strategically committed to Serbia’s membership in the EU, and the elections showed that the citizens of Serbia have rationally and responsibly decided on the direction of the country’s development.
Jadranka Joksimović is wrapping up her term of office as the Minister of European Integration. She has not revealed for Alo! if she would continue with the same job.
We have talked to the Minister about Serbia’s joining the EU, our foreign policy and imposing sanctions to Russia...
In June, Serbia has not opened any cluster. Are we now further from the EU than we have been six months or a year ago?
- This is a simplified view as a country’s EU accession cannot be assessed independently of the global developments sometimes bringing undeserved progress, and sometimes stalling. I always underline that this is primarily a political process. There has been no formal progress in June, although cluster 3 - Competition and inclusive growth has been recommended for opening in the last Progress Report. Our non-compliance with the CFSP and the sanctions regime has caused such decision. What is important for the citizens and what they expect from this process is that we have never decreased the intensity of the reforms, in particular in the rule of law. I am certain that the reforms, sustainable development, peace and stability and the EU membership will remain the milestones of the new Government of Serbia.
The organisation New Third Way has carried out a survey showing that the EU enthusiasm continues to decline with the citizens of Serbia. Why is that?
- The atmosphere changes during the process for sure, in particular in the complex political and economic circumstances that we have today both in the candidate countries and in the EU. Media have significant impact on the positions in this regard since headlines are bombastic only in case of negative mentioning of the EU. When was the last time you saw the information, also from the survey, that citizens are well aware of the benefits of the process - both their personal and country-wise, that reforms are supported by the majority since the future will be better for the youth, we will have a more developed economy, stability of the country, cleaner environment? Most of the citizens know that the EU is the largest donor , and more than a half of them are familiar with at least one project financed by the EU in our country. Serbian Progressive Party is strategically committed to Serbia’s membership in the EU, and the elections showed that the citizens of Serbia have rationally and responsibly decided on the direction of the country’s development.
Are we going to introduce sanctions to Russia in the end?
- For a smaller country, in international relations honesty is the best policy. We acted honestly when we immediately and unequivocally joined the UN resolutions condemning attacks on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and we firmly hold that position. We acted fairly when we joined numerous resolutions of the EU defending precisely these principles of the European peace and order. We acted fairly when we explained to our EU partners why and how it was complicated for us to join the regime of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation, although we are paying a high price for that. As the Minister of European Integration I am well aware of that. I am aware in what way such decision and attitude have influenced the perception of our country in the large part of political establishment of the EU countries and we will have to bear it. Of course, we have honest partners in the EU who do not doubt our system of values, since our people are truly motivated against the war and suffering owing to our experience.
Who are currently Serbia’s greatest friends in foreign policy?
- In the last decade every government has clearly defined Serbia’s membership in the EU as a foreign policy priority. This makes it clear that we have to build foreign policy partnerships with EU member states as a matter of priority. In addition, our trade, investment and economic ties with the EU countries are very strong. These are all signs that the EU sees us as an important partner. We have not neglected our friendships with other non-European countries, since our contemporary diplomatic history is built on strong foundation and shaped by multilateralism and ideals of freedom and equality of the states. This is our great diplomatic capital that we will not renounce and that is definitely not in contravention of our dominantly European orientation.
How do you see the situation in the country? Politically and economically, I mean.
- Previous government, together with the President of the Republic, has demonstrated that it is capable of handling the greatest challenges that the humanity can face. In the last ten years we have faced numerous global crises, that we could not have avoided since we are deeply integrated in European and global developments. Even in such situation our economy is constantly growing including the average net salary. The majority of citizens have felt the improvement in the quality of life, from health care, social policy, digital transformation and infrastructure in all areas. By completing judicial reform we will ensure greater legal certainty for all citizens, the electoral legislation has been improved and resulted in fair elections, fight against corruption is ongoing following the recommendations of the Council of Europe, and fight against organised crime, with the assistance of international cooperation, yields constant results. By its responsible policy Serbia endeavours to maintain stability and peace in the region of the so-called Western Balkans and I am convinced that our European partners recognise that.
What will Europe and the world do in the winter? Will the war end soon?
- This is a very complicated matter and all governments in Europe are dealing with it at the moment. President Vučić and the Government have also been intensely working on these matters since the crisis broke, in order to do everything we can to alleviate its effects on the standard of Serbian citizens. And it has not been easy. Certainly, if the war continues, we will all have to pay a higher price. I hope that the diplomacy will soon overpower the war horns.
President Vučić is being attacked from the region, especially from Croatia, almost every day. What is your comment on this?
- Within the meaning of the process of European integration, regional cooperation is important, as well as good neighbourly relations. However, this does not mean that membership negotiations are some kind of handicapping, where candidates, unilaterally and obediently, have to meet bilateral requirements and desires of their EU neighbours. This is an immature understanding of the integration process and good neighbourly relations. Both President Vučić and the Government of Serbia, including the citizens of Serbia who elected him, are not naive to participate in the theatre of the absurd with those who want to present Serbia as an unscrupulous hegemon to be blamed for everything. At this moment many would like to use specific position of Serbia to attribute us many things, mostly those which are not true. However, we have learned our lesson and we know how to act to our advantage and for the benefit of the undeniable facts.
We cannot avoid to mention the new government. Do you see yourself in it?
- I have been in politics for a long time and you might have noticed that I have never dabbled in speculations, or favouritism of myself in the media. I will not change my style now and my principles of politics since I honestly believe the citizens know who is capable of working in the interest of the state, and who is there only for personal benefit. Although, as the President of the state and President of SNS party has said, we will at first agree about the Prime Minister and then we will see who will be included in the cabinet staff to implement the planned policies.
Source: Alo!
