On the same day Ursula von der Leyen embarked on a three-day tour of the region, the European Commission approved reform agendas for the Western Balkan countries. This was the final formality needed to unlock access to up to 6 billion euros from the Growth Plan. Bosnia and Herzegovina was an exception, however, as it submitted an incomplete agenda to Brussels.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen began her visit to the Western Balkans with the statement that she was impressed by the work of the region’s partners. The Growth Plan she promoted during her visit aims to bring the economies of the region closer to those of European Union countries.
“(This is) proof of credibility in the European integration process. It does not replace the negotiation process with the EU, but it is indeed intended to accelerate it,” stated Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević.
The first tranche of 112 million euros represents about seven percent of the 1.58 billion euros allocated for Serbia in total. The condition for the first payment is a bilateral agreement between the EU and Serbia. Serbia has 98 steps to complete across four areas: business environment and private sector development, green and digital transition, human capital, and the rule of law.
“By the end of this year, this is the top priority as set out in the reform agenda, particularly through implementing ODIHR recommendations, confirming the work of the parliamentary working group tasked with drafting a proposal for a unified voter registry law, in consultation with ODIHR for guidance. The third aspect here is the election of the REM council, as mandated by revised laws passed at the end of last year,” said Minister Miščević.
Sanctions against Russia are not a prerequisite
One issue weighing on European integration is Kosovo and Metohija. The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is highlighted, with expectations for constructive engagement and implementation of the agreement on normalization and its annex.
Although some EU member states and the European Parliament anticipated it, alignment with EU foreign policy and the imposition of sanctions on Russia are not prerequisites for withdrawing funds.
“This is an opportunity for Serbia and the region to bridge the economic gap between themselves and the EU, but also for citizens to feel the benefits before actual membership. We consider reforms in the rule of law essential for society,” stated the EU Delegation Head in Serbia, Emmanuel Giaufret.
The Convention believes the set of reforms could have been more ambitious.
“We expect everything written to be implemented within the set deadlines, to finally get this European integration process, which has been virtually stalled for nearly three years, moving again. At least to a point where citizens of the Republic of Serbia can feel some concrete benefits from the accession process,” said Bojana Selaković, coordinator of the National Convention on the European Union.
The European Commission reserves the right to withhold or deny funds if the agreed actions are not completed.
(RTS, 29.10.2024)
https://www.rts.rs/lat/vesti/politika/5567153/sta-srbija-treba-da-ispuni-da-bi-povukla-prvu-transu-novca-iz-plana-rasta-za-zapadni-balkan.html
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Publish date : 2024-10-29 03:21:00
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