The Minister of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia, Nemanja Starović, spoke today in Skopje at the summit of Western Balkan leaders and representatives of the European Commission, at a panel titled “Growth Plan: State of Play, Future Steps and Communication”. Speaking about the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, Minister Starović particularly emphasized that today’s summit was an opportunity for Serbia to once again confirm its full commitment to the European integration process.
“The implementation of the Growth Plan is already yielding first results – Serbia has joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), there are discussions about expanding green transport corridors to EU member states, about joining ACA agreements, as well as about citizens of the region being able to use “roaming like at home” while in the EU.” All of these are areas that form the core of Serbia’s internal market reforms, but also the core logic of European integration. That is why today I am particularly emphasizing our strategic economic priority – Serbia’s joining the EU Single Market. This is not just a formal obligation in the negotiation process, but an opportunity to strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life of our citizens.
Since 2021, the European Commission has assessed that Serbia is ready to open Cluster 3, which includes competition rules and inclusive growth, and we expect further support from member states to accelerate this process. Progress in Cluster 2, which relates to the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour, brings immediate benefits to our economy and increasingly integrates us into the Union’s internal market. That is why the support of the European Commission is important to us so that this cluster is ready for opening as soon as possible.
The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is based on a long-term vision of shared prosperity and strengthening mutual trust both in the region and with the European Union, and Serbia is consistent with that strategic orientation,” Minister Nemanja Starović concluded today in Skopje.
The panel was hosted by Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, and speakers included European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Starović, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Edi Rama, Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto, representative of the Provisional Institutions of Priština Albin Kurti, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović.
This summit, like all meetings of this format, was held in a status-neutral format in terms of the representation of representatives from Priština, without prejudice to the status.
