EU supports historic step in regional cooperation between Western Balkan countries on refugees and displaced persons

24/04/2012A Conference on housing solutions for refugees and displaced persons was organised in Sarajevo on 24 April to underline the international community's firm support to close the refugee chapter across the region. On the occasion, the international donor community has pledged € 261 million in support of the Regional Housing Programme, with the overall EU pledge reaching € 230 million. The conference was chaired by Mr. Damir Ljubić – Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina and introductory speeches held by Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the OSCE, Mr. Joost Korte, Deputy Director-General at DG ELARG and Mr. David Robinson, Acting Assistant Secretary of State of the US. Commissioner Štefan Füle also attended the event and delivered

Serbia granted EU candidate status

02/03/2012The European Council decided to grant Serbia the status of an official candidate country to the EU. The leaders of the EU Member States gathered at a summit in Brussels on 1 March thus confirmed that Serbia has continued to show credible commitment and achieved further progress in the implementation of agreements reached in the dialogue with Kosovo, including on integrated border management.

So similar, so different, so European – a new video on EU enlargement

22/02/2012Under the campaign slogan ‘So similar, so different, so European’, a new video clip produced by the European Commission encourages the viewer to challenge their perception of the countries of Southeast Europe that are hoping to join the EU. The video forms part of a wider campaign that aims at raising awareness and showing another side of the region.  In addition to the video clip, a well-stocked and up-to-date media corner featuring additional photographic and video coverage is made available for journalists.

Statement by Commissioner Štefan Füle following his meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić

24/01/2012"Today I met Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić to discuss the current state of play in Serbia and in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. I acknowledged the commitment of the Serbian leadership to the European integration process. I emphasised the continuing expectation of the European Union that the dialogue is actively pursued, that it leads to tangible results in particular with regards to inclusive regional cooperation. We discussed the recent steps in the implementation of agreements reached to date in the dialogue and the other steps that would allow the effective implementation of all agreements. If sufficient progress is achieved in time, it would be possible for the forthcoming Council to confirm positively a decision to grant candidate status to Serbia."

EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans until 2015

30/12/2011The European Union re-established the exceptional autonomous trade preferences on 30 December, which it grants to all Western Balkan countries including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/1999, until the end of 2015. Western Balkan economies will therefore continue as of 1 January 2011 to benefit from an unlimited duty-free access to the EU market for nearly all products originating in these countries and territories. Together with the bilateral Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) in place with all Western Balkan countries except Kosovo, these trade preferences support economic integration with the EU and hence foster political stability and economic progress in the entire region. The autonomous trade preferences should allow all Western Balkan countries to further benefit from the preferential trade regime, where this is more beneficial than the treatment foreseen in the SAAs.

Conclusions of the European Council on Montenegro and Serbia

12/12/2011The European Council welcomed the Commission’s assessment on the good progress made by Montenegro and, with a view to opening accession negotiations with the country in June 2012, tasked the Council to examine Montenegro's progress in the implementation of reforms, with particular focus on the area of rule of law and fundamental rights, especially the fight against corruption and organised crime, on the basis of a report to be presented by the Commission. The Commission was also tasked to prepare a framework for the negotiations and to initiate the exercise of analytical examination (screening) of the acquis with Montenegro. At the same time, the European Council noted the considerable progress Serbia has made towards fulfilling the Copenhagen political criteria and tasked the Council to decide on granting Serbia candidate status in February 2012 after examining and confirming progress made in implementation in good faith of agreements in the dialogue with Pristina, agreements rea

EU continues to assist the enlargement countries through a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)

07/12/2011

A proposal for a revised Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) was adopted today by the European Commission, building on positive experience from the current assistance. The total amount proposed is €14,110 million over the period 2014-2020. The objectives of the revised assistance are to better translate political priorities into key actions, focusing on specific policy areas. The needs of the beneficiaries will be more closely addressed and the administrative burden reduced. The assistance will be more coherent, more effective and will help leverage more investments. Through IPA, the EU will continue to assist the enlargement countries in implementing the comprehensive reforms needed for future membership. Emphasis is put on regional cooperation, implementation of EU laws and standards, and building the capacity to manage the Union's internal policies upon access

Commissioner Füle presents the Commission's Opinion to Serbia

14/10/2011Commissioner Štefan Füle is visiting Belgrade on 14 October to present the European Commission's Opinion on Serbia's EU membership application. "On the basis of the progress achieved in reforms, co-operation with the International Court Tribunal for ex-Yugoslavia, and regional reconciliation, we have decided to recommend granting Serbia Candidate Status on the understanding that Belgrade re-engages in the dialogue with Kosovo and is moving swiftly to the implementation in good faith of agreements reached to date",  stated Commissioner Füle ahead of his visit. "We also propose to open negotiations with Serbia as soon as it achieves further progress in meeting the one key priority we identify, namely: further steps to normalise relations with Kosovo in line with the conditions of the Stabilisation and Association Process," Mr Füle stressed.

Commissioner Füle welcomes Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia

19/09/2011Commissioner Štefan Füle met with Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia Božidar Djelić on 19 September. During their meeting they discussed the state of play of reforms in Serbia, ahead of the publication of the Commission's Opinion on Serbia’s application for membership to the EU. "We reviewed several important reforms that Serbia is about to bring to fruition. In particular, we expect progress the adoption of the new media strategy and the satisfactory continuation of the reappointment procedure of judges and prosecutors in line with the agreed criteria. We also look forward to the outcome of the public debate on the Law on Restitution and the Law on Public Property, and to further results in the fight against corruption", stated Commissioner Füle.

Joint statement by President Barroso, President Van Rompuy and High Representative / Vice-President Ashton on the arrest of Goran Hadzic

20/07/2011"The European Union strongly welcomes the arrest of Goran Hadzic by Serbia's authorities. This is a further important step for Serbia in realising its European perspective and equally crucial for international justice. We salute the determination and commitment of Serbia's leadership in this effort. Following the capture of Ratko Mladic, this arrest sends a positive signal to the European Union and to Serbia's neighbours, but most of all on the rule of law in Serbia itself. The Serbian nation is in the process of confronting the past and turning the page to a better European future. We expect Mr. Hadzic to be transferred to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague without delay. Full cooperation with the ICTY continues to be essential on Serbia's way towards the European Union."

EU earmarks €5.5 billion for reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland

13/07/2011The European Commission has finalised its plans for financial support for ongoing reforms in the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland for the period of 2011–2013. The plans, called Multi-Annual Indicative Planning Documents (MIPDs), outline a revised strategy for funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA) and will focus on areas such as reform of the judiciary and public administration, regional cooperation, fight against organised crime and corruption. "The funds should act as a catalyst to drive forward reform in the enlargement countries and support the countries along their path of European integration. The EU assistance will also directly impact upon the daily lives of citizens by contributing to improved rule of law, governance, social conditions and economic prospects, particularly important as a nu

New strategy for transport links with enlargement area and beyond

07/07/2011The European Commission launched on 7 July the new Neighbourhood Transport Action Plan to strengthen transport links with neighbouring regions to the East and South of of the EU. This roadmap has concrete measures and actions to achieve Commission's goals in the field of transport, in partnerships with the countries and societies both within and beyond the enlargement area. The roadmap will also contribute to improved mobility and connections within the region, thereby supporting macro-regional strategies such as the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

Beyond 2013: integrated pre-accession assistance

30/06/2011

The European Commission presented today its financial priorities for the years 2014-2020. The proposal sets aside 12.5 billion* for the EU enlargement policy, allowing for a continuation of the current levels of support for candidate and potential candidate countries. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle said: "The Commission's proposal to maintain the current levels of pre-accession assistance will allow the EU to continue strong support for our partners' efforts to prepare for accession and advance their reforms. This will ultimately benefit all of us through greater security and prosperity". More -->

EU encourages Serbian government to step up its efforts towards the economic and social integration of Roma

23/06/2011Members of the Roma communities remain among the most marginalised in Serbia. In a positive contribution to more inclusiveness, the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the European Commission organised a comprehensive seminar to discuss and find solution to the challenges the Roma community faces: civil registration, education, employment, health, social and housing care. The conference was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Božidar Djelić and Pierre Mirel, Director for the Western Balkans in Directorate General for Enlargement.

High representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton visits Belgrade and Pristina

30/05/2011High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission Catherine Ashton visited Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 on 26 and 27 May. During her visit she reaffirmed the commitment of the European Union to the European perspective of both Serbia and Kosovo as well as the support for the ongoing Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, facilitated by the EU. In Serbia Ms Ashton held meetings with President Tadic and the Serb representative in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Borko Stefanovic. In Kosovo she met Prime Minister Thaci and the Kosovo representative in the dialogue Edita Tahiri, as well as First Deputy Prime Minister Pacolli, Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj and the Minister for European Affairs Vlora Citaku.

Statement by President Barroso on the arrest of Ratko Mladić

26/05/2011"I strongly welcome the arrest of Ratko Mladic by Serbia's authorities. This is an important step forward for Serbia and for international justice. I congratulate President Tadic and Serbia's Government for this courageous action. During my visit to Belgrade last week, I strongly reiterated the EU's firm support to Serbia's European perspective. The arrest of Ratko Mladic is therefore a very positive development for the European Union, for Serbia's neighbours, but most of all for the rule of law in Serbia itself. The families of his countless victims deserve justice. I look forward to Ratko Mladic's transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia without delay. Full cooperation with the ICTY remains essential on Serbia's path towards EU membership."

Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start the second leg of the regional visit

19/05/2011Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Füle start the second leg of their regional visit to the Western Balkans on 19 May. During the visit they will meet with the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, as well as civil society representatives to stress the Commission’s support to their European perspective and to encourage further necessary reforms. President Barroso has decided to postpone his visit to Albania until the political situation has normalised. "The countries of South Eastern Europe belong in the European Union. Enlargement remains a powerful tool for deepening democracy, the rule of law, security and prosperity in Europe", said President Barroso prior to the visit. "But it is the leaders and people of the region who hold the key to the pace and the timing of their own European future. I will therefore encourage our partners to speed up their reforms and tackle the outstanding challenges and conditions with renewed vigour."

Putting freedom of expression at the heart of the accession process

12/05/2011''The European Commission will accept no deviation on the part of candidate countries from European Union standards on freedom of expression and the media'', Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle said in his speech at the Speak Up! Freedom of Expression and Media Conference in Brussels on 6 May. ''In the Western Balkans and Turkey, freedom of expression and the media are under threat. Too often, journalists have either been murdered or violently attacked," said the Commissioner, adding that he would put these issues at the heart of the accession process.

Commission to host a high level international conference on the issue of freedom of media

03/05/2011The European Commission will host on 6 May a high-level international conference entitled "Speak Up!" , in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. This event will bring together more than 400 participants who will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. "Today, on the occasion the World Freedom of Press day, let me reiterate that freedom of expression and media is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function", stated Commissioner Füle on 3 May.

Operations of preferential trade to become easier between the European Union, the partners of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans

26/04/2011The Council has decided to launch the process of signing the regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin on 15 April. This Convention intends to ease the operation of preferential trade between the European Union, the partners of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans. Commissioner Štefan Füle said on this occasion: "This may seem a very technical matter, but in reality this opens the door to a simplification of the way the EU can trade with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans. It will help to develop growth and economic prosperity for the region and will facilitate regional integration, thus contributing to the overall stability of the whole region."

European Commission to host a conference on freedom of expression and media

15/04/2011European Commission will host a high-level international conference "Speak Up !" on 6 May, in order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. On 14 April, three weeks ahead of the conference, Commissioner Štefan Füle met with journalists from the region to discuss the current situation with regard to freedom of expression and media. The meeting offered journalists an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved. On this occasion, Mr Füle said "Freedom of expression is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function."

Western Balkans – towards a more integrated Europe

14/04/2011

"The enlargement process is not just about ticking boxes, it is about a transformational agenda which impacts the entire structure of a country. Each of these countries holds its European future in its hands. And the pace of its accession process depends on its progress on key reforms. They have to deliver on their commitments. This calls for strong ownership and strong leadership. This calls for mutual respect and a willingness to work together", stated European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on 14 April at the Joint Parliamentary Meeting in Brussels.

Support for projects worth over €6 billion approved

07/04/2011The first annual report of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) was published on 25 March, detailing the new aid framework's contribution to economic development in the Western Balkans. An initiative of the European Union, it has resulted in international donors and financial institutions approving support for 73 projects worth over €6 billion in 2010. Commissioner Štefan Füle noted on this occasion: "In its first year, the WBIF has shown us an outstanding example of the role played by the European Union and the enlargement process in the region: helping to build roads, schools, water treatment plants. I appreciated cooperation with EIB and EBRD.” The WBIF was introduced as a regional tool for EU Enlargement and it aims to enhance harmonisation and co-operation in investments for the Western Balkans' socio-economic development.

Commission outlines its Framework for Roma integration

05/04/2011The European Commission outlined its "EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020" on 5 April. Roma in enlargement countries face similar or even more serious problems than in many EU Member States: social exclusion, segregation and marginalisation, lack of education, chronic unemployment and widespread poverty. Lessons learned from past accessions suggest that promoting Roma integration requires an enhanced political commitment to Roma inclusion, the allocation of appropriate resources under the national budgets and a systematic evaluation and reinforced monitoring. Against this background, DG Enlargement, in cooperation with the relevant governments, is organising national Roma conferences in the region with the aim to review national strategies and action plans in terms of policy and programming.

Commissioner Füle visits Serbia

30/03/2011Commissioner Štefan Füle visited Serbia on 29 March where he met with political leaders and addressed the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. "The Opinion on Serbia’s application is an opportunity to move to the next steps of the accession bid. It is our shared interest to see Serbia as a good news story for enlargement in 2011. It would be good news for Serbia, good news for the region and good news for the European Union", he stated on this occasion.

Launch of the European Union Youth Orchestra's Spring Tour 2011

15/03/2011On 15 March Commissioner Štefan Fϋle hosted a press conference to announce the 2011 Spring tour of the European Union Youth Orchestra. "[...]By including for the first time two pre-accession countries from the Western Balkans, Croatia and Serbia namely, in its tour this year, the orchestra delivers a powerful signal, similar to the work we all do together for a larger, stronger, united Europe. Just like this orchestra, enlargement has been successful in the past and can be a success in the future, making the EU not only bigger, but politically and economically stronger bringing peace, stability and prosperity for the new members", stated Commissioner Füle on the occasion.

Serbia delivers its answers to the Commission's questionnaire

31/01/2011On 31 January Commissioner Štefan Füle received Serbia's answers to the European Commission questionnaire from Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković. Mr Füle congratulated Serbia for the timely completion of this difficult task and noted that "the exercise of drafting and transmitting replies to the European Questionnaire is a key step a potential EU candidate takes in order to demonstrate all the efforts it has made in order to potentially become a candidate and potentially open accession negotiations." The Opinion will be a thorough and balanced assessment of Serbia's readiness to comply with the EU membership criteria. Based on the Opinion, the Council will decide the next steps in the country's integration process.

EU assistance to Serbian nuclear safety

13/01/2011Spent nuclear fuel that was used in the research reactor at Vinca, near Belgrade, was successfully repatriated to the Russian Federation as a result of the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) horizontal programme on nuclear safety and radiation protection. This activity, which will significantly increase nuclear security in the Western Balkans, has been conducted through close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency and supported by the EU with about € 8 million of the € 35 million total cost.

Commissioner Füle visits Serbia

24/11/2010Štefan Füle, the Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, is visiting Belgrade on 24 November to hand over to Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković and Deputy Prime Minister for European integration Božidar Djelić the European Commission's questionnaire for Serbia's application for membership of the European Union. The replies to the questionnaire will be the basis on which the Commission prepares its opinion on Serbia's application for EU membership. "I am convinced that the preparation of the opinion will give a further impetus to Serbia’s process of European integration", stated Commissioner Füle ahead of his visit. Mr Füle will also discuss Serbia's European integration progress with top state officials and will meet with the President of Serbia Boris Tadić.

European young journalists receive award for articles on EU enlargement

31/08/2009National winners of the European Young Journalist Award 2009 will visit Berlin for the winners' trip and final conference in celebration of their success and at the same time look back at the past 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The European Young Journalist Award is organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Youth Press and Café Babel, and is one the largest pan-European competitions of its kind. The competition was open to young writers aged 17-35 from the EU member states as well as from candidate countries and potential candidates and attracted more than 600 articles.

EU approves budget support for Serbia and the financial crisis package for the Western Balkans and T

31/07/2009On 31 July the European Commission has granted €100 million to Serbia as general budget support to help with the stabilisation of the country and ease the economic and social consequences of the financial crisis. The Commission has also approved a substantial package to assist acceding countries to tackle the current economic difficulties. The €85 million grant finance from the European Commission is part of the overall Crisis Response Package for the Western Balkans that should total €150 million in Commission grants and €600 million in loans from partner International Financial Institutions, such as the European Investment Bank and the EBRD

Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn starts his visit of four Western Balkan countries

22/07/2009Today, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn starts his visit of four Western Balkan countries. In the Republic of Serbia, he meets President Boris Tadic, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Deputy Prime Ministers Djelic and Dacic. He will bring the good news on visa free travel, following the proposal of the Commission last week. He will also discuss Serbia's European integration. Mr Rehn will then continue to travel to Podgorica, Montenegro, where he has meetings with Mr Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister, Mr Krivokapic, the Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, and Mr Vujanovic, the President of the Republic of Montenegro. Besides the good news on visa free travel Mr Rehn will also hand over the " questionnaire" to the Montenegrin authorities. The replies to the questionnaire are necessary for the Commission to prepare the opinion on Montenegro's application for EU membership.

The Commission proposes visa-free travel for citizens of three Western Balkan states

15/07/2009The European Commission proposed on 15 July that citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro be able to travel to Schengen countries without visas from 1 January 2010. Once the proposal is approved, citizens of the three countries will in future only need a valid biometric passport to enter the Schengen countries, which include all EU members except the UK and Ireland, as well as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Granting visa free travel is a cornerstone of the EU's integration policy for the Western Balkans. Facilitating people to people contacts enhances business opportunities and gives the possibility for the people of the region to get to know the EU better.

Adoption of Recommendations on Visa Free Travel for Western Balkans

08/07/2009On 15 July, the European Commission will adopt a series of recommendations within a proposal for granting visa liberalisation to the Western Balkan countries. The submission of the proposal to EU Member States aims at enabling the citizens to travel without visas to the countries of the Schengen Area and confirms the European Commission's long-standing commitment to visa-free travel. Citizens of those countries benefiting of the visa-free regime will no longer have to go through the often time-consuming procedures that a visa application entails. Easier travelling to the EU can greatly contribute to the process of Balkan countries integration in the European Union.

400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade the end of the Danube by bike

29/06/2009Danube by Bike Tour closing event in Belgrade: 400 cyclists from all over Europe celebrate with citizens of Belgrade on the banks of the Danube. The event marked the end and highlight of a 5-day trip along the Danube for participants from 25 European countries. The tour was organised and sponsored by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement in cooperation with the European Cyclist Federation and was open to anyone who likes cycling, cares about the environment and wants to make new friends throughout Europe. Visit the photo gallery of the tour http://www.danubebybike.eu/

“Discover Europe in Motion”: Start of the Danube by Bike Tour 2009

23/06/2009Around 400 cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe (the EU member states, the Western Balkans and Turkey) are coming together today in Budapest and Bucharest to start the first European bike tour along the river Danube, a cycling event that will last from 23 to 27 June 2009. Organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Cyclists’ Federation, this event will give participants an opportunity to cycle through five Danube countries, experiencing the beauty of one of the most important rivers in Europe.

EU assistance to Serbian health care system

30/01/2009A new Masters programme in health care management, funded with 5 million € under the European Union project "Training in Health Care Management", will start in Serbia on 6 March 2009. The aim of this programme is to enable future managers to manage reforms and restructuring of the health care system. “I am very pleased that the European Union will continue to help Serbian health care system through this project” said Pierre Dybman, Head of Operations, Sector 1, of the EC Delegation to Serbia. The programme has been developed in cooperation with medical schools of the universities in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis and Kragujevac, the Faculty of Organisational Sciences in Belgrade and the Ministry of Health of Serbia.

EU helping to build asylum system in Serbia

08/01/2009The Serbian Government formally took over control of the Asylum Centre in Banja Koviljaca from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the period 2006-2008, the European Union donated EUR 650,000 that were used to resolve asylum-related issues in Serbia as well as to educate and prepare various public agencies and civil servants to take over the competencies in this field from international organisations. The EU funds for the renovation and refurbishment of this Centre totalled EUR 225,000. The centre can accommodate a total of 88 persons. Currently, it houses 49 asylum seekers.

Serbia joined EU competitiveness and innovation programme

02/12/2008European Commission vice-president Günter Verheugen and deputy Prime Minister Mladjan Dinkic have signed in Belgrade the memorandum of understanding formalising Serbia’s entry in the EU entrepreneurship and innovation programme (EIP). Serbia is the sixth country of the group of candidate and potential candidates to join the EIP following Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 2007, and Turkey, Montenegro and Albania earlier in 2008. Part of the EU competitiveness and innovation framework programme (CIP), the EIP, promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

EU Enlargement updated strategy and progress reports available on line

05/11/2008The Commission's annual strategy document explaining its policy on EU enlargement has been adopted and become available on line. The document includes a summary of the progress made over the last twelve months by each candidate and potential candidate: Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (under UN Security Council Resolution 1244). In addition, the 2008 progress reports were published, where the Commission services monitor and assess the achievements of each of the candidate and potential candidates over the last year. Further information is available at the special page dedicated to the 2008 Enlargement "package".

European Union continues to support education reform in Serbia

02/10/2008A new phase of European Union support to Serbian secondary schools has been launched involving a total of 147 vocational training schools. The focus of the new phase will be on training courses for school directors on new methods in vocational school management and for teachers on teaching methods and new curricula, teaching material development, projects, etc. The Vocational Education Training (VET) programme was launched in 2003 in co-operation with the Serbian Education Ministry, and so far the EU has supported it with € 19 million to provide vocational education based on the needs of the industry and the labour market.

"Serbia may be given candidate status in 2009", Barroso tells Tadic

03/09/2008President Barroso and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Olli Rehn, met with the new Serbian President, Boris Tadic, for the first time since the formation of a new Serbian government. This meeting gave them an opportunity to review EU-Serbia relations and recent developments in Serbia. Following this meeting, President Barroso said: "If all conditions are met it will be possible to give candidate status to Serbia in 2009". Jose Manuel Barroso added that this depends on Serbia and on the will of all Member States.