Relatie EU en Servië: Eurocommissaris Hübner ontmoet onderminister Servië (en)

Danuta Hübner i , European Commissioner for Regional Policy, today received Mr. Bozidar Djelic, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia. They discussed the state of play of relations between the European Union and Serbia in general and possible perspectives of cooperation in the area of regional development.

' On behalf of the Commission, I welcome the fact that Serbia has chosen regional development as a priority on its agenda,' the Commissioner said and stressed the importance of high quality administration, not only at national but also at regional and local level.

Notes for editors

Serbia has initialled a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU. Providing it fulfils the condition of full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia the agreement can be signed. The SAA will bring concrete trade and economic benefits to the citizens and it is also the country's gateway to candidate status. The EU is already providing significant financial assistance to the Republic of Serbia under the Pre-Accession Instrument (IPA). The amount allocated is around € 190 million per year for: promotion of stability and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the economic and social development of the country, cross-border cooperation with neighbour countries and the reform of the public administration.

Further information on regional policy available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm