Reforms will bring Serbia closer to EU membership, but will also strengthen the country in various ways and should first and foremost be implemented for the benefit of Serbia’s citizens
The road to EU integration has had a positive impact on the reform agenda for a long time. Switzerland supports Serbia on its path to EU integration. The associated reforms don’t only help Serbia move closer to EU membership, but also strengthen the country in various ways and should first and foremost be implemented for the benefit of Serbia’s citizens. Democratic reforms contribute to improving the resilience of the state and society. Economic reforms strengthen Serbia’s economic performance and help attract more foreign investors, who seek more legal security to do sound business and should therefore be able to count on a strong rule of law.
Switzerland is contributing to the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Priština… We are also focusing on the areas of good governance, economy and employment, energy and resilient cities
When one sees, for instance, the dynamism of the IT sector in Serbia and the prospects linked to digitalisation, there is no doubt that positive development is happening. However, all sectors are equally important – from agriculture to industry and various services, including tourism, etc. – so no one is left behind, even more so during these very challenging times. Switzerland, for instance, is providing support to private sector development and vocational education and training. Serbia’s good and friendly relations with its neighbours, including the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Priština, will one day contribute to creating a stable, peaceful and prosperous region. This is in the interest of all countries concerned, as well as Europe as a whole. Switzerland is contributing to the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Priština.
It is also particularly important for Serbia to concentrate on the development of its municipalities, which will have to absorb most of the EU funds in the future. Moreover, towns and municipalities will also have to implement 70 per cent of all EU laws and regulations. This is another area where Switzerland is providing support, helping to build the capacity of municipalities to deliver good services to citizens. More generally speaking, Switzerland’s development cooperation focuses on the areas of good governance, economy and employment, energy and resilient cities.
