Serbian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Suzana Grubjesic and EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule participated yesterday in Brussels at the conference "The Western Balkans: The Future of Europe" dedicated to the EU enlargement strategy and regional cooperation in SEE countries.

At the meeting, which was held at the European Parliament, Grubjesic presented the new government’s moves in the field of European integration.

She pointed out that it is very important, not only for the candidate but for the future of Europe, that the enlargement process continues.

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that Serbia is ready to immediately start negotiations on joining the EU, and expressed the hope that all the positive progress made in the last six months will be recognised and that a date to start negotiations will be determined.

Speaking on the latest opinion poll in Serbia showing a drop to support for European integration, she said that this was to be expected if one takes into account that we have behind us a decade of failed expectations and misguided bureaucratic explanations what the EU is and what it means for Serbia.

Still, no other social process has such public support as the European integration, she noted, adding that the latest public opinion should be taken as a warning and a high time to change some things.

Grubjesic indicated that European integration is a serious state policy based on hard work and not so popular decisions.

She expressed confidence that the hard work will pay off, and that, along with the results and better communication with the public on this issue, the support will grow.

Source: Serbian Government