The European Commission requested the European Economic and Social Committee to draft an exploratory opinion on "EU-Serbia relations: the role of civil society". A study group made of 15 members of the EESC started its work in November 2007, chaired by Mr Cveto Stantič. The rapporteur of this opinion is Mr Seppo Kallio.

In order to collect more information about the situation of civil society in Serbia and also to involve Serbian civil society organisations in the elaboration of the opinion, six members of the study group, including its chairman and the rapporteur, have spent two days in Belgrade. They have meet representatives of social partners and of several NGOs, the members of the Economic and Social Council of Serbia, as well as the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Mr Rasim Ljajic, and the Director of the Serbian European Integration Office, Ms Tanja Miscevic.

The rapporteur, Mr Seppo Kallio, said: “Serbian NGOs and social partners have a key role to play in strengthening democracy and promoting a better standard of living. We are fully committed to support their efforts.”

The chairmam of the study group, Mr Cveto Stantič, added: “While representing different interests, the EESC members – trade unions, employers, NGOs – are all united in considering that European integration is the best way to ensure prosperity and social cohesion.”

This visit, organised in close cooperation with the Delegation of the European Commission in Belgrade, will further contribute to the development of civil society dialogue between the European Union and Serbia.

For more details, please contact:

Karel.Govaert@esc.eu.int or Christian Weger at the EESC Press Office.

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