In between, Serbia undertook important domestic reforms and demonstrated a commitment to regional stability, which led to substantial progress in the normalisation of relations with Kosovo and the improvement of relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania. Serbia also showed broader leadership this year, as Chair of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
On the economic front, Serbia made significant progress by concluding a Standby Arrangement with the IMF. The agreement, and the government’s dedication to following it have improved Serbia’s fiscal policy and demonstrated to potential investors that the government is serious about, and willing to take the steps necessary for, keeping the economy on a positive trajectory.
This year also brought the opening of a new chapter in Serbian history, one that will be a focus of its national life for years to come. By taking the next step in the EU accession process, Serbia has committed itself to a process of reform that represents more than just a formal paper exercise involving meaningless bureaucratic changes. Rather, the hard work of adopting EU norms and standards will lead to a more prosperous, democratic Serbia that is more fully integrated into Euro-Atlantic institutions.
This new Serbia will over time become a place where young people have opportunities to find good jobs, start families, build their lives and achieve their dreams without leaving their homeland. It will have a growing economy that values innovation and encourages companies and individuals to play by the rules
This new Serbia will over time become a place where young people have opportunities to find good jobs, start families, build their lives and achieve their dreams without leaving their homeland. It will have a growing economy that values innovation and encourages companies and individuals to play by the rules.
The new Serbia will also be a place where civil society and journalists are supported and encouraged to play their important roles in fighting for freedom, justice and equality, and against corruption and mismanagement in all sectors of society.
With hard work and dedication, Serbia has many good things to which it can look forward in 2016 and beyond.