Most of the EU Member Countries will base their stand on opening negotiations on Serbia’s European Union membership on the Opinion of the European Commission, Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Ambassador Vincent Degert said in an interview to the FoNet new agency and emphasized that, in that regard, he was an optimist.

However, Belgrade and Pristina have to make arrangements on the implementation of the Brussels agreement, explained Degert and pointed out that there were some deadlines set for doing it.

I hope that the arrangements for the implementation of the agreement will be carried out next week, stressed Degert who also hope for both sides to make efforts ‘in the upcoming days and hours’ so that the discussions on the implementation agenda would bring fruitful results. 

Furthermore, he also pointed out that ‘certain parliaments of the EU Member States’ are lingering with giving their opinion on opening negotiations with Serbia’s EU accession ‘just to see if and how the implementation of the Brussels agreement proceeds.’

“I must say that we are all satisfied with the agreement being achieved. That is encouraging. Also it is encouraging that your Government and the Parliament supported the agreement in principle“, underlined Degert.

In his opinion, it is very significant that the Government officials, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, are explaining the meaning of the Brussels agreement to the public.    

Proceeding with reforms

“Here I especially have to point out Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to Kosovo. We sincerely appreciate such efforts,” stated Degert.

As well as it is important to proceed according to the plan with the initiated reforms, added Degert referring to the reforms of judiciary, state administration and local governments, and also to the struggle against corruption and discrimination.

“If it all proceeds, that the date will be quite achievable,” concluded Degert but he could not anticipate what the Member States would decide since they would have to consult their national parliaments.

It is my personal opinion that most of them will base their judgment on the Opinion of the European Commission. In regard to this, I am quite an optimist, stressed Degert.

Responding to the question on the return of displaced persons, Serbia’s property in Kosovo and trade, Degert indicated that ‘here we discuss the normalization process which is currently in progress.’

“We are watching it in the light of all these changes. There are eight agreements, or better say nine, including the one on liaison officers. Things are heading into the right direction,” concluded Degert, “although they are not going easy because the issues are rather complex.”

Difficult situation in South

The issue on displaced persons is particularly complex and sensitive, not only for Kosovo but also for the region of Bosnia and Croatia, said Degert underlining that displaced persons and refugees deserved to return if they wanted.

It is our duty to secure stability and safety so they could return, said Degert, and concluded that the agreement on the property registry is functioning quite well.

We also support establishing trade relations and the agreement on tariff stamps is essential in it,” estimated Degert.

“Serbian goods of €300 million in total value are sold in Kosovo. It has been so since September 2011 when the agreement was reached,” reiterated Degert and concluded that “the functioning of this agreement is quite satisfactory.” 

Degert announced the continuation of the EU PROGRESS Program in 24 municipalities of the southern and southwestern Serbia, which he described as ‘one of most successful programs’ of the Union in the past few years.

“The situation in South is difficult mainly because of the disparity in the development between this part of Serbia and its northern regions,” estimated Degert and specified that this program enhanced the capacity of local governments and enabled forming and establishing public services.

Thanks to this program there will be 3 000 new jobs and around €30 million of investments attracted, stressed Degert.

Together with our partners from Switzerland, added Degert, we are considering the second generation programs, the EU PROGRES 2, which we hope to support with more than €20 million in the following three or four years.

Responding to the question on the series of debates he had had with high school students from various regions in Serbia, Degert explained that he had wanted to present himself to the citizens, face with their questions and hear about “their visions and fears.”

No easy solutions

There were many questions related to the education, employment, and I was even asked if the job could be guaranteed, illustrated Degert.   

The answer is of course ‘no’, since you have to study at start, to prove yourself and create opportunities for the future by yourself, cited Degert and added that there were numerous questions on the procedure of the EU accession and Kosovo.

“I explained that there are no easy solutions and that one slogan cannot solve the entire problem, but that we have to sit together at the same table and find a common solution that is functional for all communities,” emphasized Degert.

It is in the spirit of the EU. The Union is something destined, and something unavoidable, concluded Degert and added that in few years “these children will make decisions” about it.

Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Ambassador Vincent Degert officially opened the European Film Festival at Belgrade Youth Center.

“It is a great pleasure for me that in the week when we are celebrating the EU’s 63rd anniversary, we have an opportunity to deal with culture which is essential to Europe. We usually talk in this hall about difficult subjects: conditions set to Serbia, The Hague Tribunal, Kosovo… and now, we have an opportunity to watch several magnificent works of art. The motto of this second in a row Festival is ‘Two Sides of Life’ and it is an excellent choice. I thank the EU Information Center and the Youth Center for organizing this Festival, my team who suggested the idea last year, as well as the Member Countries that enabled showing these films, some of them will be premiered,” said Ambassador Degert welcoming the audience at the Youth Center hall where all seats were filled.

The European Film Festival started with a feature film “Krugovi” (Circles) directed by Srdan Golubovic. It is a shocking testimony to an event that occurred in Herzegovina at the start of wars in the 1990s. This film was shown at the Sandnes Film Festival, and the author received Best Director Award at the Wiesbaden Film Festival.

The European Film Festival, this year titled “Two Sides of Life” is to be held on 15-21 May, within the celebration of marking the Europe Day and as a part of the event “Open Europe” that started on 8 May and will last until the end of the month in various towns in Serbia.

There will be 21 feature films from the European Member States shown at the Festival, among them the current Cannes Film Festival winner “Love”, the winner of the Berlin Film Festival “Cesar Must Die”, the HBO production film “Burning Bush”, as well as “Eccentricity of a Blonde-haired Girl”, “Goodbye Gary” , “Tsargrad Kitchen”, “The Days to Come”, “I Married a Serb”…

The program will be carried out in the main hall of the Youth Center and the admission is free. Visitors will be able to collect the free of charge tickets at the info desk of the EU Info Center in the hall of the Youth Center.

Further information: Festival Program

Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert said on May 14 that in the case that some problems related to the implementation of the Brussels Agreement could occur prime ministers would again be involved in the negotiation.”

He added that he was exceptionally pleased with the achieved agreement but that there were still some painful issues which still had to be resolved, like those related to the electricity and telephony, but that everything must be discussed.

There must be a solution to each problem, and the only way to do that is to sit and talk, said Degert who visited Leskovac within the “Open Europe” campaign of approaching Europe to the citizens.

The main event of celebrating the old continent’s day was marked in downtown Belgrade on 11 May within the “Open Europe” manifestation. Hundreds of resident of Serbia capital, but also the people from other towns in Serbia, came to Youth Center where jugglers, magicians, politicians, diplomatic corps members, representatives of institutions and nongovernmental sector, and musicians waited for them.

Head of European Union Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert; Minister of Education, Science, Technological Development Zarko Obradovic; Head of Serbian European Integration Office Milan Pajevic socialized with the citizens.

Visitors, majority of them young, could visit stalls within the Festival of culture, education and civil activism, they could draw, send messages to Europe from a video booth installed in front of the entrance, participate in the interactive quiz on Europe, charge their mobile phones as a part of promoting the “Strawberry Tree” Project – a solar charger that was awarded by the EU as a technological innovation, and eventually to enjoy in the concert by Rambo Amadeus.

Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Information, Communication and Media Office Luca Kadar delivered certificates to pensioners who completed computer training. All that was organized by the European Union Information Center in its premises located in Belgrade Youth Center.

Debate and Europe Team

Two key events marked the socializing of the day.

The first, the debate within “Let’s talk about Europe” cycle where the participants from high schools from Smederevo, Apatin, Negotin, Leskovac, Kraljevo, Mladenovac and Smederevska Palanka discussed with Ambassador Degert and Minister Obradovic. In an open debate, without taboos, almost 500 girls and boys – students of second grade high schools discussed with the minister and the ambassador about Kosovo, conditions set to Serbia on its way to European integrations, unemployment, education quality, scholarships, globalism, sovereignty, preserving tradition… Arguments and opinions were expressed, and both the questions and the answers received applause, in a democratic way.

The debate ended with choosing five schools whose students, 15 of them and their professors are to go on a five-day trip to Brussels and visit the EU institutions. Three students from each high medical school from Zvezdara, Uzice and Zemun; and from each general high school from Leaskovac and Negotin are getting ready for the trip. Students from the General High School in Smederevska Palanka are in reserve.

Complete report from the debate.

The other important event was the promotion of “Europe Team”, the national network of independent experts in issues related to the European Integrations which was presented by Ambassador Degert and Head of Serbian European Office Milan Pajevic. Members of the team are from Belgrade, Kikinda, Novi Sad, Pancevo, Uzice, Pozega, Kragujevac, Nis and Zaječar, and they are dealing with the EU history, institutions and decision making processes, human rights, democracy and minorities, culture, education and media.

Topics that they will also deal with are business, small and medium size companies, environment, as well as the agriculture, rural development and food safety.

Complete report form Team Europe promotion.

Further information: www.europa.rs/srbija-i-evropska unija/tim-evropa.html

Booth for “telling to the face”

One of the major attractions of the event was a video booth where visitors could “in four eyes” send a message to Europe, ask questions, and say what was bothering them and what made them happy, praise and reprimand. Several dozens of students who participated in the event took advantage of this opportunity, and all the recorded material would be put in a few days on the EU Info Center site www.euinfo.rs.

The visitors were surrounded by 20 exhibition bards with cartoons of the laureates of the first “Serbia and the EU” cartoon and short strip contest where the first prize was awarded to well-known female cartoonist Dzoja Ratkovic Gavela for her cartoon titled “Through an Eye of a Needle.” The exhibition of awarded cartoons opened on 11 May will last until 19 May.

There was a huge crowd in front of the stands where EU – Erasmus Mundus, Tempus programs were presented as well as the Europe for male and female Europe citizens, the Youth in action, Culture, Progress… There were representatives of Serbia Youth Council, Tempus Foundation, European Integration Office, of the European Movement, Swedish Embassy, EUINIC in Serbia, Goethe Institute, the British Council, Cervantes Institute who greeted them and answered their questions, handed out brochures and suitable gifts.

Small children were drawing tirelessly and for that “unseen job” they received toys, drawing kits, t-shirts, balloons, balls, pendants, etc. and it was hardly that anyone who visited Youth Center left without smile.

“These radiant faces are our best reward. The event “Open Europe” shows that the immediate contact with the citizens is always the best way to communicate,” said Predrag Vujovic from the EU Information Center, the organizer of the event.

The cherry on the top was put by Rambo Amadeus whose music shook well the walls of Youth Center.

Head of European Union Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert officially opened the “Serbian and the EU” cartoon and short strip exhibition at Youth Center in the evening on 10 May, and delivered prizes to best authors.

Female cartoonist Dzoja Ratkovic Gavela won the first prize, travelling to Paris and Caen, for her cartoon titled “Through an Eye of a Needle” at the contest organized by the EU Information Center in Belgrade. 

The second prize was won by Lephafta Pala, while the third prize was awarded to Milan Rogulj for the cartoon titled “Arrival”.

There was also a special prize awarded to the youngest participant in the contest, a 14-year old cartoonist, Filip Karan, whose fans were in majority at the opening of the exhibition.   

Congratulating the awarded cartoonists, Ambassador Degert underlined that the event, organized as part of celebrating theEurope Day, bore certain risks since it was unknown if any authors would apply, how many works would arrive and what attitude would be taken towards the topic.

“Nevertheless and besides the fear, the action was a success and for that I congratulate to the EU InfoCenter creative team, and all of these cartoons have shown that there is a bit of truth in each joke,” said Degert adding that the exhibition demonstrates how much spirit and creativity there is in Serbia.

“I will reveal a secret to you. In the recent months, together with my regular reports to Catherine Ashton, I have started sending cartoons from the Serbian press. It seems to me that they sometimes speak more than lengthy reports. And what has happened: she asked me to send her a cartoon every time,” said Degert.

Head of Serbian European Integration Office Milan Pajevic said that the best means of communication is the visual one, and especially if it is impressive as the exhibited cartoons. 

Female laureate Dzoja Ratkovic Gavela thanked for the prize pointing out that for decades no woman received a prize for a cartoon and for that, among other things, the decision of the jury made her even happier.

Welcoming the attendees, Predrag Vujovic from the European Union Information Center said that there was no topic, no matter how serious it might be, that could be deprived from being humorous and beneficial for the “weirdness” provided by a good cartoon.

“The aim of an artistic work is to make us think seriously about ourselves and I believe that this contest and the exhibition we are opening now have met that goal,” said Vujovic.

The member of the jury, well-known Serbian cartoonist Predrag Koraksic Corax expressed his hope for this contest to become a tradition and that the topic would be expanded. 

“There is a long trip ahead of Serbia and I anticipate that there will be more of these contests and topics for cartoons“, said Corax.

The first contest for cartoons and short strip themed “Serbia and the EU”, according to the organizer, will become a tradition.

Out of 150 works that arrived during one month contest, the jury composed of Predrag Koraksic Corax, Marko Somborac, Aleksandar Zograf, Nataša Savic (from the Serbian European Integration Office), Luca Kadar (from the European Union Delegation to Serbia), and Predrag Vujovic (from the EU InfoCenter) have chosen 20 cartoons presented at the exhibition.

All authors of the exhibited items are awarded with suitable prizes.

The cartoon exhibitions will be also organized in Sombor and Leskovac.

Head of European Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert said on 10 May that unless the implementation of the agreement on normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo is reached, the talks at the political level might be reestablished.

It is impossible to expect from prime ministers to resolve all technical details related to the performance of courts and the police, but they should be dealt with by experts, said Degert expressing his hope that the implementation of the agreement on the exchange liaison officers between Pristina and Belgrade may soon start.

The agreement on normalizing relations was signed on 19 April and it is important to start with its implementation, as discussed in Brussels, however the agreement on how to do that has not been reached yet, said Degert during an informal discussion on “European Chances of Serbia and the Balkans” organized by the European Movement in Serbia and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Concluding that there is a strong possibility for opening negotiations on Serbia EU integration, Degert emphasizes that it is a long process but “it is easier when a clear goal is in sight.” 

There is a possibility that a major progress might be made in the following weeks. I am encouraged by the strong support of the political circles, stated Ambassador Degert.

The informal discussion on “European Chances of Serbia and the Balkans” was a symbolically held at “(Poslednja) Sansa” (Last Chance) well-known Belgrade restaurant in Tasmajdan Park gathering a number of professionals dealing with the European integration processes, among them were Head of Serbian European Integration Office Milan Pajevic, European Movement Head Vlastimir Matejic, but also some diplomats, Serbian Parliament members, university students, reporters, etc.    

“The basic idea is to mark Europe Day in Serbia in a traditional way, in a restaurant, which is regarded in this part of the world as a kind of a democratic institution and a free forum for exchanging views,” said Ivana Ponjavic of the European Movement in Serbia.

During the relaxed “restaurant” talks at four tables, there could be heard that “the history of the EU is the history of overcoming crisis coming in cycles. It is an emerging project and there is no moment when one can say: Now it is all over, the construction of the building is over.”

It has been noticed that the moment when this part of the Balkans is approaching the Union, resembles to “a late coming to a party where best food and drinks have already been distributed, and the loveliest girls already found their gallants.” This partially explains the apathy of the citizens here who wonder why we are going there when there is also a deep crisis.

It has been stressed that the education system does not follow the changes and trends and that there is no serious dealing with the “European issue” but at some university school of social sciences.

It is encouraging for Serbia that it can learn from mistakes of its neighbors without repeating them, taking advantage of the experiences form the region as well as the fact that we speak more or less the same language. 

Starting negotiation with the European Union would be a significant accomplishment and encouragement for Serbia to stay on the track towards the EU membership, said Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert at the reception on the occasion of 9 May Europe Day and added that he hoped for good news to come from Brussels.

A year after gaining the status of a candidate country we are optimistically waiting for another critical moment in the integration process between the EU and Serbia, when on 28 of June all 27 member countries will decide when Serbia could start the negotiations, said Degert at the reception at the Yugoslav film Library.

It will neither be easy nor quickly but the general goal is clearly in sight, he said.

Europe Day which marks today the 63rd anniversary of European ideas and values, and it is also the holiday for Serbia which is a part of the European family.

Pointing out to all achievements made by Serbia on its European path, Degert reiterated that during the past four years of his mandate he kept on stressing that Serbia is on the right track of building up a stable democracy.

He pointed out that the EU can see Serbia in the joint future and in this sense EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and the European Commission recommended taking a new step in the relationships with Serbia – starting negotiations, along with the expected reforms and the implementation of the agreement.

Degert underlined that the new Serbian authorities have brought a momentum in the dialogue between Belgrade and Serbia, which led to reaching important agreements, like the key one reached on 22 April which implementation is currently expected.

He ended his speech in an optimistic tone before numerous Serbian public officials and figures by saying that good news from Brussels would bring optimism and motivate to proceed with the hard work on the path towards the EU.

At the end of his diplomatic mandate, Degert underlined that he was proud to serve in Belgrade and that the past four years, although full of challenges, made him happy.

He said that he would bring many of memories with him from Serbia, new knowledge and souvenirs, like “ajvar” (roasted minced paprika), “kajmak” (milk cream) and some brandy made by the president himself.

“I look back with pride and satisfaction, with a bit of regret for leaving,” said Degert and he thanked the people in Serbia for his pleasant stay.

Serbian Legislature Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic, ministers Suzana Grubjesic, Verica Kalanovic, Nikola Selakovic and Bratislav Petkovic, former Serbian President Boris Tadic, media representatives, diplomatic core, and representatives of NGOs and religious communities also attended the reception.

“Negotiations on Serbia accession to the European Union will involve making a lot of efforts which exclude lobbying,” Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert told the press on the occasion of marking the Europe Day.

“Negotiations are difficult because they involve structural reforms in the areas like judiciary and media system, and Serbia must be ready for all that in due time and should not leave the key reforms for the last minute,” emphasized Degert at the conference titled “How to start negotiations with the EU” organized by the School of Economics, Finances and Administration (FEFA). Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic opened the conference and Head of Serbian European Integration Office Milan Pajevic and Chairwoman of Parliamentary EU Integration Committee Milica Delevic also took part in the discussion.  

“I want to give you a clear warning sign that negotiating does not involve lobbying but making very hard technical efforts,” said Degert adding that the implementation of all obligations must be secured as a part of this job.  

He said that a wide range of social operators must be involved in the process, starting from the parliament to the civil society. 

Ambassador Degert also warns that bilateral issues must not be neglected since they can impede the process and he concluded that Serbia has a substantial advantage since it can learn from experiences of the neighboring countries. 

“I believe that Serbia has a great advantage because of the experts from neighboring countries that have gone through the negotiating process, and that is a valuable resource,” he said.

Degert emphasizes that accession conditions are changing, but adding that the EU is changing as well in accordance with the changes in the entire world, which means that new member countries must fulfill the new expectations.

What is important today is that Serbia has reached the decisive moment in this process and that we are near the final step, he stresses.

Degert expressed his expectations that Lithuania would ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and Serbia before taking over the EU presidency on 1 July.

Representatives of Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Slovakia also shared experiences of their countries in the negotiating processes with the EU during the conference organized by the Belgrade-based School of Economics, Finances and Administration (FEFA). 

More than 60 years ago Robert Schuman formulated his vision of an "ever closer Union" of European nations. And even today we are moving this idea forward. Croatia will soon become the 28th Member and the "Western Balkans waiting room" is still far from empty. This shows that Schuman's vision continues to inspire, and to strengthen Europe's stability and progress.

Croatia's entry adds new momentum to the enlargement of the European Union. It sends a powerful signal to the whole region about what you can achieve when you make the necessary efforts. There are encouraging results in some other parts of the Western Balkans: Serbia and Kosovo have recently struck a historic deal, and Montenegro is moving forward in the accession process.

The perspective of European integration remains open to all the countries in the region, but it is not a free ride. It requires true determination and efforts. It requires leaders to think and to act in European way. Membership of the European Union is a real perspective - but only for those who are truly interested in embracing the European Union's principles.

This is the way forward for the whole region. European integration is about building a common, more stable and more prosperous European future. This is what the citizens across the Western Balkans deserve. And I wish you and your countries all the best in these European efforts.

“On the 20th anniversary of World Press Freedom day, the EU pays tribute to journalists worldwide who dedicate their lives - sometimes at great personal cost- to reporting events or expressing views that many might prefer to silence. A free, independent and vibrant press is indispensable in any democratic society.

The EU is determined to fight for press freedom worldwide and condemns the increasing level of intimidation, violence and censorship that journalists face in many countries. The EU calls on all governments to allow journalists to work in safety and security, and without the fear of censorship or prosecution.

Freedom of expression must be defended both in the traditional media and on the Internet.

The EU will continue to promote freedom of expression on-line and offline, not least as new information technologies can be key in promoting human rights and democracy. The EU will continue to condemn violations of the right to freedom of expression in all media with a view to ensuring that journalists across the world can discharge their professional duties without hindrance.”

The Acceding Country Croatia*, the Candidate Countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Iceland⁺ and Serbia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

⁺ Iceland continues to be a member of the EFTA and of the European Economic Area.

At a conference on building capacity for struggle against corruption, European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule said that a judicial reform, a combat against crime and corruption, and a political will were key elements required for making progress on the path to the European Union.

The political will is a key element of that struggle and it could be expressed through realistic action plans with clear goals, said Fule at the conference on the project Strengthening the Capacities of Law Enforcement and Judiciary in the Fight against Corruption in Serbia (PACS).

Commissioner Fule said the Brussels agreement got Serbia closer to the EU and the accession negotiations would be unconditionally set in June. He stressed that improvement was necessary in investigation and legal proceedings, and particularly in witness protection and financial information.

He said that judicial reform should secure independent courts and the justice system where the main argument was law, not bribe. He warned that the judicial reform without the combat against corruption was a recipe for disaster.

“We have been trying to enforce zero tolerance when it comes to corruption and this step requires the political will,” said Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.

He said that the next on the agenda was Serbia’s justice system, which he would like to call independent and efficient, and he added: “I am afraid it will take us more time to reach this stage.” 

“The most important thing now is the struggle against corruption and therefore we need the EU assistance in the form of the investigative expertise,” said Vucic. 

As he put it, the Venetian Commission criticized Serbia’s law on organizing courts concluding that there was no political intention to create a party monopoly by organizing courts but that there were some lobbies attempting to enhance their position in local societies and their power. 

Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Antije Rothemund, said that corruption was a threat to human rights and the rule of law undermining institutions and it was not the problem just in Serbia.

“We cannot defeat corruption only by implementing legal measures, but also we must face the crisis of values like the social justice, civic courage and social responsibility,” said Ms Rothemund. 

The European Commission on 22 April recommended to the Council of Europe and Member States to open the EU membership talks with Serbia.

The Commission considered that Serbia had taken very significant steps and sustainable improvement in relations with Kosovo.

It was reiterated that after the elections in Serbia, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina attained a higher level of political process mediated by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.

Between October 2012 and late in April 2013, there have been 10 meetings in total, as specified in the report quoting that there was also a meeting between Serbia and Kosovo presidents Tomislav Nikolic and Atifete Jahjaga held on 6 February.

The report also covered the implementation of the agreement achieved in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina on regional representation, border crossings integrated management, customs, and protection of religious and cultural heritage, marriage/birth/death registry and recognizing diplomas.

As of January 20013, North Kosovo was the main focus of the meetings between the two prime ministers during the second round of the dialogue at the highest level, which on April 19 led to signing the agreement on principles regulating the normalization of the relations, said the report.

This agreement envisaged intensifying the dialogue on energy supplying systems and Telecom which are to be completed by 15 June this year.

The report says that Serbia is committed to proceeding with the reforms in key areas of the rule of law, especially the reform of judiciary and struggle against corruption, as well as media freedom, the struggle against discrimination, minority protection and protection of business environment.

It has been indicated that the reforms in the field of judiciary are considered as a major challenge.

The Commission will continue to follow the progress of Serbia in accordance with the membership criteria.

Previously in the morning on April 22, the Serbian Government adopted the First Agreement on principles that regulate normalizing relations that had been achieved in the dialogue on Kosovo and Metohija in Brussels.

The Government instructed the ministries, special agencies and government services to take necessary measures and activities to implement the agreement, as announced after the Government session.

It also instructed the continuation of implementation of agreements and arrangement already reached with representatives of the interim self government institutions in Kosovo and Metohija.

Download: Spring report 2013

It will be officially recorded that winners of 26th edition of the Belgrade Marathon are Kenyan athlete Edwin Kiplagat Kitum and Olivera Jevtic, Serbia's best long-distance runner. But what actually made difference in that sunny April day was around 2,800 participants form over 40 countries, as well as a lot of sport spirit and good mood of almost 30,000 people who ran through the streets of the Serbia capital.

The start for this year’s marathon was given by legendary athlete Carl Lewis, together with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert and Chairman of the Belgrade City Assembly Aleksandar Antic.

Personal example

To prove that it was not just about words and that many things depended on personal examples, ambassador Vincent Degert ran 21.1 km of the half-marathon crossing the finish line with two flags: of Serbia and of the EU.

“Sometimes it is hard to run a race, like the one of accessing to the European Union but, when the goal is clear it becomes achievable,” said Degert after completing the race at Terazije square.

“You must be fit, make a lot of efforts and work hard, but when you have a clear goal it becomes achievable, that is what I wish to Serbia as soon as possible,” said Degert.

Ambassador Degert added that the half-marathon race was “hot” but that the audience standing by the track was friendly, offering drinking water to the runners, applauding and cheering them up to endure.

He concluded that the atmosphere was nice and that many people had fun in the Belgrade Marathon.

European team

Besides Ambassador Degert, there were other members of the EUIC team “Let’s run for Europe” from the EU Delegation to Serbia and diplomats from embassies of its Member States including Judit Walter, Vera Morandini, Martin Kern (EU Delegation to Serbia) as well as Ronald Frank (Czeck Republic), Ben Crampton (UK), Placide Machoud, Pekka Orpana (Finland), Predan Milan (Slovenia), Gilles Verseils (France), Peter Rosenberger, Veronika Pinter-Theiss, Wolfgang Wagner (all of them from the Austrian embassy), Emil Shipochky (Bulgaria), Karl-Heinz Schmitz (Germany), Andres Romero Carrasco and Javier Irazoqui Gonzalez (Spain), Kamsvåg Nils Ragnar (Norway), Christer Asp and Mette Kjuel Nielsen (Sweden), Soren Engelbrecht Hansen, Bosko Sukilovic, Tatjana Antic, Andraj Planic, (all from Denmark) and Milena Beric from the Goethe Institute in Belgrade.

Results and comments

Kenyan Edwin Kiplagat Kiptum won the men’s 42,195 m marathon clocking 2:19.33. The race ended with complete triumph of Kenyans who also won the second and the third place. Eliud Kibet Kirui (2:24,40) came in second and Boyash Mayaka (2:30,42) third.

Olivera Jevtić had no match among other female marathon runners. She won the Belgrade Marathon for the second time in 2:36,09, fulfilling in this way the world competition norm.

Besides “the big marathon” there were also a half-marathon and the traditional Fun run.

The half-marathon ended with complete success of Serbian female athletes, and men’s half marathon was won by Darko Zivanovic who clocked 1:08,35. The second came Mirko Petrovic (1:12,07) and the third Srdjan Samardzic (1:12,40).

Serbian Olympian Ana Subotic won the women’s half-marathon (1:09,34). Ana Celinska (1:19,49) from Poland and Ksenija Bubnjevic (1:23,07) from Serbia came second and third.

The Fun Run, as usually, was the most cheerful and colorful. Along veterans and amateurs there were primary school children, small children and even complete families who took part in it.

Before the start of the 26th Belgrade Marathon there was a group of people who shouted “We won’t give up Kosovo” and the others responded by shouting “Marathon.” There was another group of around 50 young men who participated in the Fun Run carrying banners and shouting “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia”. However, all the runners were welcomed with applause along the track and there were no incidents recorded, in accordance with the recommendation of Pak Bora, the chairman of the Association of International Marathons and Street Races (AIMS) who addressed to the participants of Belgrade Marathon by saying:

“In the name of all your friends at the AIMS, I wish you all a successful and safe marathon full of joy and friendship. The entire international marathon association relays with pride the message of peace and solidarity though Belgrade Marathon.”

These negotiations have been concluded. 

The text has been initialled by both Prime Ministers. 

I want to congratulate them for their determination over these months and for the courage that they have. 

It is very important that now what we are seeing is a step away from the past and, for both of them, a step closer to Europe. 

Thank you.

At its plenary session in Strasbourg on April 18, the European Parliament (EP) adopted Rapporteur Jelko Kacin’s report on Serbia’s progress in the EU integration with a majority of votes.

Ahead of the vote, Kacin once again called on Serbian and Kosovo leaders to reach a compromise and allow the European integration process to continue.

The European Parliament adopted the Resolution on Kosovo today, that supported the European integration process and called on five EU countries that did not recognize Kosovo state to do that.

The Kosovo Broadcasting Corporation reported that EP also adopted the amendment that the footnote, mentioning the name of Kosovo and proposed by countries that do not recognize Kosovo, to be included into the text on the resolution.

The Kosovo broadcaster announced that the EU adopted the resolution on Serbia suggesting to the European Commission to set the date for Serbia to start negotiations with the EU.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued a statement after the 9^th round of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, that the differences were narrow and very shallow. She said she hoped for Serbia and Kosovo in the following hours can take the final steps necessary to finish this agreement.

"Today has been a very long and intensive day. We have sought to bring together all of the different ideas that have been under discussion over these past months, distil them and ask the delegations from Pristina and Belgrade to examine these proposals and see whether an agreement could be reached,” said Ashton.

She reiterated that after the previous round of the EU facilitated dialogue, she viewed the differences as “narrow, but deep.”

“I can say with real confidence today that the differences are narrow and very shallow,” said Ashton.

The EU High Representative reiterated that she prepared for the General Affairs Council on Monday where she would make her report and that only a few hours left until then.

“I hope in that time, that both Serbia and Kosovo will reflect on whether they can take the final steps necessary to finish this agreement and to move their people forward into the future," said Ashton.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton said on April 16 that she invited Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Taqi for a meeting in Brussels in the morning on April 17, for a new round of the EU facilitated dialogue, since they failed last week to reach an agreement.    

“I have asked them to come in a constructive spirit, ready to explore different options and agree to a mutual compromise," said Ashton.

Serbia still can get a date for starting negotiations with the European Union and not all the chances for doing so have been missed yet, said Head of European Union Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert. He added that it might happen before the expiration of his mandate in Serbia in August this year.

“The chances are still here. It is definitely so. Above all, due to great efforts that have been made on both sides. Both when the dialogue is in question, and in the field of reforms. Now it is necessary to finalize the process, to find an adequate response and then start with its implementation. We’ve got a good momentum and we shouldn’t lose it,” said Degert. 

He underlined that great efforts have been made in the process of reaching an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, therefore there is no need to give up hope and abandon it easily. 

“We are still trying to reach an agreement. There have been efforts made in this direction. We should not be pessimistic regarding this issue, we still have time and the chances are good for taking the right path.”   

It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt about today's tragic event in Velika Ivanča which took the lives of thirteen innocent citizens.

Please allow me to convey to you and also all the victims' families my sincerest condolences for this tragedy.

My thoughts, as well as those of my colleagues from the Delegation of the EU to Serbia, are with you and the families of the victims at this very sad time.

May they rest forever in peace.

With my deepest condolences,
Vincent DEGERT

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission Catherine Ashton in the evening on 8 April said she regretted the decision of the Serbian Government to reject the proposals of the agreement with Pristina and called on the authorities in Belgrade to make a last effort to reach an agreement, for the benefit of their people.

"I believe that the elements for an agreement on northern Kosovo are on the table,” the EU high representative office announced.

She avoid giving a direct response to the Serbian Government request to proceed with the dialogue with Pristina, but she reiterated that the previous rounds of the dialogue were “set in clear timeframe” taking into account the European Council's desire that Serbia and Kosovo move forward by the summer.  

Ashton emphasized that she hoped she would be leading the discussion in the EU over the next few days in support of a real step forward by both Serbia and Kosovo towards their European future.