In this context, Serbia remained stable, with a growing, albeit modestly, economy. An ambitious reform agenda was adopted to support investment and business. Foreign investors continued to see Serbia as an attractive destination. Agreement was reached with the IMF and other international financial institutions on reform programmes, while reforms to modernise society were equally ambitious.
Given that the future of Serbia lies in Europe, the crowning event of 2015 was the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union, which is an enormous vote of confidence for what Serbia has done, and what it has the potential to do.
Serbia also strove to make the Brussels Agreement work, and to be a good neighbour within the Balkan region. Canada was impressed with how the Serbian Government and society dealt with the unprecedented flow of migrants. Serbia took centre stage when it successfully managed a challenging OSCE agenda and hosted the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Belgrade.
For 2016 we can expect the general positive trend to continue, but we can also expect more instability, with lingering security threats and uncertain economic prospects
We hope that 2016 will be the year when Serbians will begin to reap the positive results of the reforms of 2015, and future reforms still to come. Areas have been identified for additional attention: more work to modernise the economy and society to support growth; modernisation of the judicial system, so that it can respond to citizens’ needs quickly and transparently; reform of public administration to provide better services to citizens; dealing with corruption and its insidious effect on people’s faith in the institutions of their society, and; ensuring that freedom of expression flourishes.
These things are fundamental to a modern, successful economy and society, whether they lead to EU membership or not.
As the transition to a modern economy and a well-governed stable European society continues in 2016, Serbians will be looking to see the benefits after many years of sacrifice. If they feel that they are part of that modern economy and society and that both are serving their interests, then the prospects for Serbia will be very positive.