"Serbia closer to EU by end of 2011"

Finnish Ambassador to Belgrade Kari Veijalainen told Tanjug that Serbia might move closer to EU by the end of 2011. "I do hope that Serbia could get the status of candidate country by the end of 2011. The Serbian government is well aware that a lot of hard work is needed to achieve that aim,” he pointed out. "Serbia closer to EU by end of 2011" “The criteria for EU membership are the same for all and no exceptions can be made. The decisions in the EU are made based on consensus. A further effort by Serbia to meet the remaining obligations with regard to the Hague Tribunal is one of the key issues. Successful enhanced dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina could create favorable climate for solving problems and improving regional cooperation," the Finnish ambassador said. "It is indeed important to avoid any unnecessary delay in starting the EU facilitated talks. On the other hand, the parties should be ready and fully powdered to solve the problems. It might be wise to start with less controversial issues which still are of great importance to the people in the region. Building confidence first with initial results could help in addressing more complicated practical everyday issues. I myself expect the talks to start any day now," Veijalainen stressed. "In the integration process of the European Union, it is important that people in this region perceive enlargement perspective real and credible. And in my view, the commitments by the EU are clear and unequivocal in this respect. The recent Commission progress report on Serbia lists recommendations on issues where intensified efforts are needed. Towards the end of 2011 Serbia could well move even closer to the EU and benefit even more about the integration process. It is in the interest of Serbia, too, that before joining the EU, it is well prepared to the membership. The integration process in itself implies modernization of the society and economy in order to meet the European standards. This in turn benefits the whole population," he explained. "Of course, the relations between Finland and former Yugoslavia date back to pre World War II years. However, during the last ten years, we have faced a new situation in our relations. Since democratic change in October 2000, Finland has supported strengthening of democracy in this country. Finland is also one of the strongest supporters of Serbia in its integration into the EU. We are very satisfied that Serbia's membership application is moving on. Our aim is strengthening stability and enhancing prosperity in the whole of Europe. There are no particular problems in Finland's relations with Serbia. Contacts have increased in the last few years including visits at the high level," the ambassador emphasized. "It is true that trade between Finland and Serbia is still modest. Political stability in Serbia and in the whole Western Balkan has increased and adoption of European standards should also contribute positively to enhancing trade between our two countries. Basically, the trade is dependent on business-to-business contacts and on demand and offer. The embassy has taken action to facilitate and increase those contacts. Trade relations were also one of the key areas discussed during Prime Minister Cvetkovic's visit to Finland." "The integration process and the reforms it implies will certainly increase that interest of Finnish companies in the Serbian market and in the whole Western Balkan region. There are some signs already about bigger interest in this market. Foreign Investors Council publishes recently its annual White Book proposals for improvement of the business environment in Serbia. In my view, it contains a useful agenda for what Serbia could do to facilitate business and promote investments in the country," Veijalainen concluded.

"Serbia closer to EU by end of 2011"

“The criteria for EU membership are the same for all and no exceptions can be made. The decisions in the EU are made based on consensus. A further effort by Serbia to meet the remaining obligations with regard to the Hague Tribunal is one of the key issues. Successful enhanced dialogue between Belgrade and Priština could create favorable climate for solving problems and improving regional cooperation," the Finnish ambassador said.

"It is indeed important to avoid any unnecessary delay in starting the EU facilitated talks. On the other hand, the parties should be ready and fully powdered to solve the problems. It might be wise to start with less controversial issues which still are of great importance to the people in the region. Building confidence first with initial results could help in addressing more complicated practical everyday issues. I myself expect the talks to start any day now," Veijalainen stressed.

"In the integration process of the European Union, it is important that people in this region perceive enlargement perspective real and credible. And in my view, the commitments by the EU are clear and unequivocal in this respect. The recent Commission progress report on Serbia lists recommendations on issues where intensified efforts are needed. Towards the end of 2011 Serbia could well move even closer to the EU and benefit even more about the integration process. It is in the interest of Serbia, too, that before joining the EU, it is well prepared to the membership. The integration process in itself implies modernization of the society and economy in order to meet the European standards. This in turn benefits the whole population," he explained.

"Of course, the relations between Finland and former Yugoslavia date back to pre World War II years. However, during the last ten years, we have faced a new situation in our relations. Since democratic change in October 2000, Finland has supported strengthening of democracy in this country. Finland is also one of the strongest supporters of Serbia in its integration into the EU. We are very satisfied that Serbia's membership application is moving on. Our aim is strengthening stability and enhancing prosperity in the whole of Europe. There are no particular problems in Finland's relations with Serbia. Contacts have increased in the last few years including visits at the high level," the ambassador emphasized.

"It is true that trade between Finland and Serbia is still modest. Political stability in Serbia and in the whole Western Balkan has increased and adoption of European standards should also contribute positively to enhancing trade between our two countries. Basically, the trade is dependent on business-to-business contacts and on demand and offer. The embassy has taken action to facilitate and increase those contacts. Trade relations were also one of the key areas discussed during Prime Minister Cvetković's visit to Finland."

"The integration process and the reforms it implies will certainly increase that interest of Finnish companies in the Serbian market and in the whole Western Balkan region. There are some signs already about bigger interest in this market. Foreign Investors Council publishes recently its annual White Book proposals for improvement of the business environment in Serbia. In my view, it contains a useful agenda for what Serbia could do to facilitate business and promote investments in the country," Veijalainen concluded.