Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
28.02.2012.

Statement by Minister of Defence regarding the recommendation to grant candidate status



Today's decision of foreign ministers of EU member states to grant Serbia candidacy status for EU membership, is a significant moment not only in our process of European integrations, but also in our overall process of reforms. In fact, this is the final and official confirmation that comes from our partners from Europe hat Serbia has made deep changes and has successfully achieved the necessary steps to truly become a developed, democratic and a prosperous European state. Success in the acceptance of political and economic criteria, and a large number of standards that exist in the EU, was highly valued by the European Commission in October, and today we received a political confirmation of the 27 member states.

It was not an easy path to the get the status of a candidate, perhaps the most difficult in comparison with all other countries. Political or economic conditions in the EU did not favour us, and the burden of the nineties still following us, which will continue to accompany us all the way. Also, it was neither simple nor understandable to the citizens of Serbia why it was necessary to implement some of the reforms. It would be easier to succumb to populist rhetoric and change nothing, but that would not lead us anywhere, certainly not to a better life and standards for all of us.

Mod and SAF have thus gained confirmation that they are the creators of successful reforms. Any changes that are made in accordance with the general process of European integration of Serbia, building and strengthening of our institutions, democratic and civilian control of armed forces, control of proliferation, import and export of weapons, including the Common Security and Defence Policy, is our contribution to improving the image of Serbia and making it more complete and more positive. We are ready to continue in that direction, improve what we may be missing, but especially to insist on changing the consciousness of all of us - we understand that peace, security, stability and democratic institutions are the basis of every society, not just European values. They have already been accepted by MoD and the SAF, and we strive for all the Serbian society to understand them.

When the European Council confirms this decision in a few days a new era in Serbia will begin - a period when we, as a candidate for EU membership will be in a different political and economic situation. Now as an equal partner and associate of member states, as a country moving towards EU membership, willing to continue and deepen the reforms , we need more support and help of our friends from Europe. On the other hand, candidacy status is much more suitable for those who are interested in investing in Serbia, because their business practices and procedures are guaranteed by the Union. Investments are necessary, on the other hand, as well as opening new job vacancies, improving the standards of our citizens, which is actually the main goal of Serbia's integration into the EU - a better life for us all is the essence of these efforts. In continuation of this process it is necessary to maintain the same energy and commitment to European integration and progress, determination and clarity in all the steps waiting for us, the wisdom and skill in negotiating and protecting national interests, but we also need the public’s support for what is being done. In fact, we all understand that being a candidate for membership in the EU represents a new challenge and a strategic orientation of Serbia, which the commitment of the entire society and all citizens who get the most out of this status.
 
MOD
Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia, Bircaninova 5 street, Belgrade
Questions of citizens: brziodgovor@mod.gov.rs, media requests: info@mod.gov.rs
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