Minister of European Integration Nemanja Starović spoke today with students of the European Studies postgraduate study programme from the University of Eisenstadt, Austria, led by Professor Arnold Kammel.
During the meeting, the Republic of Serbia’s European Union accession process, the course of negotiations thus far, the challenges which Serbia faces on its European path, as well as the prospects for further progress in the European integration process, were discussed.
Minister Starović familiarised the students with the historical and political circumstances which shaped Serbia’s European path, stressing that European Union membership remains a foreign policy priority of the Republic of Serbia. Special attention was paid to the reforms that Serbia is implementing within the framework of the negotiation process, as well as to the importance of harmonisation with European standards in the areas of the rule of law, economy, and public administration.
Speaking about the economic aspects of European integration, the minister emphasised that the European Union is by far the largest foreign trade partner and investor in Serbia, and that European investments have significantly contributed to the country’s economic development, the creation of new jobs and the improvement of the living standards of citizens. At the same time, he pointed out the fact that Serbia, owing to a stable business environment and responsible economic policy, is attracting investments from other parts of the world, including China and other international partners.
Students showed great interest in the current process of EU enlargement, Serbia’s position in the Western Balkans region, as well as in the political and economic challenges which affect the dynamics of accession negotiations.
The interlocutors agreed that dialogue, exchange of experiences and strengthening academic cooperation are important contributions to better mutual understanding and improvement of relations between Serbia and Austria.
