Ex-Austrian chancellor: EU should treat Serbia with respect

VIENNA Former Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, has said that he was "ready to assist Serbia on the road toward the EU." Gusenbauer, whom Serbia's First Deputy PM Aleksandar Vucic invited to work for the Serbian government as a consultant, has announced that the deal on his recruitment will be finalized in two weeks, underscoring that Brussels must send a positive signal and open negotiations with Belgrade at the beginning of 2014. Ex-Austrian chancellor: EU should treat Serbia with respect It is necessary to treat Serbia with respect. Serbia has to meet the criteria, but it is not fair that Belgrade is always offered “a carrot - EU membership”, which is then withdrawn, Gusenbauer said in an interview to the Vienna-based daily Kurier. As a country that constitutes the core of the Balkans, Serbia needs a European perspective, and must not be a victim of the EU enlargement fatigue, the former Austrian chancellor stressed. Asked whether a contract has been already signed with the Serbian government for offering advice to Belgrade on the path to the EU, he says that has not been the case yet, but that the deal stands a good chance of being reached in the next two weeks. Gusenbauer explains that, as a consultant, he will focus on support for EU integration process, and informing Belgrade about the positions and information regarding the prevailing sentiment in the capitals of the EU member states. The Serbian government must respond adequately. It will present reforms and must take some measures against corruption, he underlined. The country needs an engine of growth and long-term growth perspective. Young Serbs are leaving the country in great numbers, they need jobs immediately, as well as economic and social progress, Gusenbauer explained. (Tanjug, file) Tanjug Kurier

Ex-Austrian chancellor: EU should treat Serbia with respect

It is necessary to treat Serbia with respect. Serbia has to meet the criteria, but it is not fair that Belgrade is always offered “a carrot - EU membership”, which is then withdrawn, Gusenbauer said in an interview to the Vienna-based daily Kurier.

As a country that constitutes the core of the Balkans, Serbia needs a European perspective, and must not be a victim of the EU enlargement fatigue, the former Austrian chancellor stressed.

Asked whether a contract has been already signed with the Serbian government for offering advice to Belgrade on the path to the EU, he says that has not been the case yet, but that the deal stands a good chance of being reached in the next two weeks.

Gusenbauer explains that, as a consultant, he will focus on support for EU integration process, and informing Belgrade about the positions and information regarding the prevailing sentiment in the capitals of the EU member states.

The Serbian government must respond adequately. It will present reforms and must take some measures against corruption, he underlined.

The country needs an engine of growth and long-term growth perspective. Young Serbs are leaving the country in great numbers, they need jobs immediately, as well as economic and social progress, Gusenbauer explained.