Relations between Slovenia and Serbia are good. We have intensive cooperation in politics, economy, culture and other areas and we have no unresolved issues.
“Slovenia has made great strides in the last 30 years. It became a member of the Euro-Atlantic institutions, and thanks to its engagement in international organizations, the country has earned recognition and respect. We were well prepared for the presidency of the EU Council and we can say that we are implementing our tasks well and successfully. It is not easy to coordinate the work of 27 different countries, but living up to our coordinating role of the presiding country is our main task.“
Slovenia is chairing the EU Council in perhaps the most challenging period, given the COVID-19-induced crisis. What are the priorities and biggest challenges of Slovenia’s presidency?
Slovenia is in the middle of its presidency term and the implementation of priorities is already in full force. Resilience, recovery and strategic autonomy are the main priorities that are related to COVID-19, as well as other past crises.
As far as the Conference on the Future of Europe is concerned, there are also dialogues with the public and we will continue with our work so that in the end, we can hand over the dossier to France, which should complete that topic.
Our colleagues in Brussels have been working on all other points of the presidency’s priorities, and for us, Slovenia’s representatives in the Western Balkan countries, the most concrete topic is the relations between the WB countries and the EU. This is one of the main priorities of the presidency, and following Slovenia’s initiative, a high-level conference was recently held with the representatives of the EU Member States and the Western Balkan countries in attendance. We are confident that the conference was successful because it focused on the EU enlargement to include the WB countries, as this issue remains permanently on the EU agenda in the future. The conference declaration focuses on the EU enlargement to include the WB countries. The EU and WB leaders, who were present at the summit, all agreed that such summits would take place once a year.
What can the Western Balkan countries expect during Slovenia’s presidency, given that the EU has given declarative messages about the importance of enlargement, but no concrete support has been visible as yet?
First and foremost, all of the countries in the Western Balkans, regardless of their status concerning the EU, work according to the given EU guidelines. It is important for the countries, especially for the citizens of the Western Balkan countries, to complete the accession process as soon as possible, but it is also important not to rush it and do all the tasks thoroughly in a way that facilitates their implementation. It is also important that they are as prepared as possible to join the EU in terms of law and other general topics, so that there would be no problems later in relation to the European institutions or among the member states. We should not doubt if the WB countries will become EU members in the future, but rather let’s ask ourselves when is that going to happen. It is definitely up to the candidate countries to do their job and thus convince EU members and EU institutions that they are ready to join the Union. In the end, the decision will be political.
For us, Slovenia’s representatives in the Western Balkan countries, the most concrete topic is the relations between the WB countries and the EU.
Secondly, we should bear in mind that EU accession is a very complex process. There are 27 member states and EU institutions to consider. Everyone has their views. On the other hand, some candidates also have their own interests, problems and certain desires. It is very complicated to fit in all of that. However, if you have a desire to become part of a community, you need to accept the rules of that community, and that takes time. Unfortunately, there are no instant solutions.
Slovenia is one of the countries that supported the opening of accession chapters, i.e. clusters, for Serbia. What should be the priorities of the Serbian government on the road to EU membership?
The European Commission’s annual report, which came out recently, clearly states what important steps Serbia needs to complete on its accession path. The most important progress is the one done in the segment of the rule of law and normalization of relations with Kosovo. Serbia needs to boost reforms related to judicial independence, media freedom, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as resolve war crimes issues. Slovenia expects Serbia to invest maximum effort into implementing reforms and reducing the backlog in the negotiation process. Based on the European Commission’s assessment that Serbia is ready to open negotiating clusters 3 (competition) and 4 (green agenda), Slovenia will try to secure a consensus among member states on this issue.
Our economic cooperation can improve in areas where logic and references support the arguments.
In terms of the relations between Slovenia and Serbia, they have become progressively more stable over the years, with no unresolved issues. What should be the priorities of bilateral relations between the two countries in the next two decades?
Relations between Slovenia and Serbia are good. We have intensive cooperation in politics, economy, culture and other areas and we have no unresolved issues which is good for both countries as it creates opportunities for fostering even better contacts in all areas. It is difficult to say in advance in which direction we should move. Certainly, if Serbia continues going down the EU accession path and bilateral relations become even stronger, the cooperation between our two countries will be enriched with additional motives. Serbia and Slovenia could become very good partners in many areas in the future.
Economic relations are excellent, and Serbian companies have been making an increasing number of investments in Slovenia. How can we improve economic cooperation even more?
We are glad to see that Serbian investments in Slovenia are multiplying. Not only are there more of them nominally, but certain large Serbian companies have also become significant market players in Slovenia, primarily in real estate and finance. Real economic stories always have a place in Slovenia and Serbia, with which we have built a healthy business partnership which goal is achieving the common good. Our economic cooperation can improve in areas where logic and references support the arguments – Slovenia has achieved excellence in environmental protection, water management, forests and waste processing and we have the know-how and experience in these areas. Serbia has only just begun to address these issues more seriously since these issues are very important for people because they lead to a higher standard and quality of life.
We are recognized and visible and this is thanks to the contributions from all Slovenian citizens. Apart from good diplomacy, we should also credit sports and cultural figures for that.
Serbia has concluded agreements with Chinese companies stipulating the construction of several water purification and waste management plants. The EU and EU members bilaterally, as well as Slovenia, have invested in and donated to tourism in Zlatibor. We want to find a place for us, that is the EU, in large communal infrastructure projects in Serbia for which 15 billion euros has been earmarked. We have talked with Serbian partners about projects and opportunities where, thanks to our know-how and experience, we can help and where our companies can play an important role.
Serbia is a part of Europe and has its place in the EU as the country has been introducing European standards and legal norms. Serbia should invest the same effort in the segments like environmental protection, and water, waste and air management.
In June, Slovenia marked 30 years of its independence. How does all of that look to you from this time distance?
Statistics show that Slovenia is twice as economically developed as in 1991. The real GDP grew by 91% and GDP per capita was four times higher last year (EUR 22,000 per capita) compared to 30 years ago. Since 1991, Slovenia’s population has grown by 100,000 people, which means that there are just over 2 million of us now.
Slovenia has made great strides in the last 30 years. It became a member of the Euro-Atlantic institutions, and thanks to its engagement in international organizations, the country has earned recognition and respect. As an EU member, together we create the policy of 27 countries, we have a strong and stable currency, the Euro, and we try to resolve those problems that all European countries face. We have no enemies, we have partners in international relations and we are working to develop good relations with other countries in Europe and the world.
We are recognized and visible and this is thanks to the contributions from all Slovenian citizens. Apart from good diplomacy, we should also credit sports and cultural figures for that.
Serbia has potential
How do you feel living in Belgrade and Serbia? What do you like the most here and what would you recommend to Slovenian tourists to visit?
I feel good in Belgrade, but we should not reduce entire Serbia just to Belgrade. I had the opportunity to see and visit many parts of Serbia and I can say Serbia has an extraordinary potential for the future. Nature is beautiful and offers opportunities for a beautiful vacation. Infrastructure is being developed which creates additional opportunities for tourism development. If you ask me what I would recommend Slovenians to visit in Serbia, it would certainly be the area around Zlatibor, the Tara Mountain and Uvac. The Djerdap Natural Park is also beautiful and they should definitely visit Golubac and Ram fortresses. I like the villages and towns in Vojvodina, where you can feel the multicultural spirit and history, including its architecture. There are places and areas where every tourist can have a good time. The Serbian cuisine tells a special story and is yet another attraction to indulge in Serbia.