Serbia Progress Report: significant progress has been made, but challenges still remain

“2013 has been a key year for Serbia and the country deserves due praise for the breakthrough in relations with Kosovo. On the other hand, Serbia still need to address several crucial issues, like the deep-level problem of corruption and the economic difficulties”, said György Schöpflin MEP following the adoption in the European Parliament of the 2013 Progress Report on Serbia.

“The historic significance of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue is undisputable. At the same time, we should not allow ourselves to be mesmerised by the Kosovo issue, albeit emotionally crucial. There still remain many other problems on the agenda”, recalled Schöpflin, EPP Group Spokesman on the 2013 Progress Report on Serbia.

“Firstly, the Serbian constitution still regards Kosovo as an organic part of the country’s territory. Secondly, Serbia must address the centralising mindset that plays such a strong role in policy-making. The slow encroachment by the centre of the autonomy of the province of Vojvodina and local governments evidently goes against subsidiarity and effective governance. Furthermore, the most serious issues facing the Serbian authorities are the deep-level problems of corruption and the poor performance of the economy, where urgent action is necessary”, concluded Schöpflin.