Comunicato del Governo della Repubblica di Serbia:
Head of EU Delegation and Member States Ambassadors Video Conference with the Serbian Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of the Serbian Government Ana Brnabic had a meeting today via video link with the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Sem Fabrizi and ambassadors of the EU member states regarding the current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic and measures to prevent it.
The Prime Minister Brnabic explained that the epidemiological situation, though difficult, has been improving. Implementation of measures and responsible conduct of citizens have started producing results, and she expects that strict following of instructions by competent authorities will place the epidemic under more control in the days to come and will further relieve the medical system.
When it comes to the epidemiological situation, the Prime Minister explained that intensive preparations for the fall were under way, when a stronger wave of virus was expected.
Brnabic thanked all EUMS ambassadors for the assistance and support to Serbia, emphasizing that thanks to the 15 million euros EU funds our country received extensive support, including 75 ventilators, 800,000 masks, 100 oxygen concentrators, 300 infrared thermometers, 50 monitors, 100 triage containers, 2 testing devices and 25,000 tests since the beginning of the epidemic.
The Prime Minister also said that signing of an additonial donation with the EU on 15 July enabled the hiring of additional 200 Serbian health workers for the next six months., This contract worth 1 million euros is financed from IPA 2018 and will have great importance in strengthening capacities of our health system.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi pointed out that the corona virus pandemic changed the world to great extent, and that we had to draw lessons from this experience, act in solidarity and share our experiences in implementation of measures and results thereof. Prompt and accurate communication, full transparency and strong coordination with the EU and relevant international institutions will continue to be key to overcome this difficult phase. The Head of the Delegation confirmed the EU’s readiness to continue to work closely with the Serbian authorities, encouraging the full use of the new mechanisms of which Serbia is now part, like EU Health Committee and the EU Joint Procurement Agreement.
The Prime Minister and the EU Heads of Mission had also an exchange to the current political situation, following the 21of June elections. The EU Ambassadors encouraged in particular to follow up the ODHiR report on the electoral conditions, the need to ensure peaceful protests and safety of journalists, while preserving public order. The issue of the request of information on Money Laundering, including media and NGO was also raised.
Prime minister pointed out that after the elections, political and physical violence was taking place on the streets of Belgrade and other cities in our country. When it comes to information related to the activities of the Administration for the Prevention of Money Laundering, the Prime Minister pointed out that the competencies of this institution are defined by law, but also by international standards that Serbia is obliged to respect.
Fabrizi pointed out that the European Union strongly supports Serbia on its European path, expressing the expectations that the new Government will put the EU accession at the centre of its programme, with particular priority in the area of rule of law.
He also said that the EU plan for economic and investment incentives will help Serbian economy recover faster from the consequences caused by the corona virus pandemic.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic.
Belgrade, 29 July 2020
