Mr. President, your Excellences, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, honoured friends,

Today, I would like to discuss something we have all been witnessing for decades. We are all aware that globalization and strengthening of the interdependence of key players on different levels of government has been a dominant process since the 1970s. This process means that many challenges and problems the states encounter exceed national borders. However, globalization carries with it two opposing processes – increased connectivity and integrity at the same time stirring the states’ wishes to maintain their own distinctiveness and identity.

In circumstances such as these, 21st century leadership should represent the continuation and preservation of everything that was good in the previous period, free of bad and painful historic experiences. When someone is termed a leader this means first and foremost that he is a visionary, someone facing the future with fresh ideas and solutions, propped by the public trust. Also, a leader is recognised as such by his peers. This is a double proof of leadership. Internationally, one achieves considerable renown in key institutions and decision-making centres. Internally, a leader is someone who launches initiatives taking full responsibility for them at a moment when they are not fully supported by the public, because uncompromisingly meeting all expectations infringes on the very essence of leadership. A leader is someone who uses his own authority to achieve set goals not necessarily always popular in society. That is a burden and responsibility faced by leaders, which is not always characteristic for South East European countries.

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured friends,

In the previous period, the Republic of Serbia took steps both in its internal and foreign policy which broke with past decision-making policies, first and foremost reflected in a “here and now” method of problem solving, rather than allowing our children to inherit them. We are dedicated to the idea that dialogue and mutual understanding are the only instrument which ensures peace and stability in the region, abiding by international law and all obligations stemming from it.

Despite facing partial public disapproval, the Government and Assembly of the Republic of Serbia are making difficult compromises so as to begin the process of resolving the problems which have been burdening us for a great many years, all in order to normalize the lives of all its citizens. This normalization primarily means respecting fundamental human rights, safety and the right to protection of one’s national and religious identity and inviolability of property.

Serbia is also in favour of broad regional cooperation, taking part in institutionalized processes and civic initiatives such as the Igman Initiative, and is especially interested in the Nordic model of cooperation some aspects of which would be acceptable for Western Balkan countries. Our ideal of close cooperation, both economic and political, motivates us to extend a friendly hand to everyone, to turn to the future learning from past experience and mistakes which are not to be repeated.

We are aware that the road we have chosen is not an easy one because European Union membership is both a right and an obligation. Through the Parliament’s legislative activity, oversight function and the activity of the Government and the judiciary we are attempting to set up a modern society and an equal values system not only to approach the European Union but, first and foremost, to boost our citizens’ living standard in the future. Regaining the trust in institutions by fighting corruption and organised crime which we do by applying the principle of zero tolerance, is a long process and the best way to ensure security and prosperity our citizens expect from a responsible government. What is the EU for us – we must be aware that the EU is not a Harry Potter film.

On this occasion I would also like to mention the challenges of the 21st century, what is expected of every leader as a task compared to the situation he came into and the set goal. A 21st century leader possesses the skill to assess the reality and possibilities, he is aware that it is togetherness that draws the “realistic” and “possible” closer together. Leadership in the Balkans is a bottomless source of potential because we share the same past, present and future, as well as geography which, despite the doubtless specificities of each country, remains indivisible in common goals, wishes and ambitions. The future we all wish in the Balkans is not a future of divisions, but a future of lasting peace and trust. That is the context in which the Republic of Serbia views the processes of improving cooperation, regional reconciliation, stability and development. However, that reconciliation has to be true, bolstered by real and sustainable actions, which has so far not been the case.

Initiative is a prerogative and a way to take a leadership position in the 21st century. The legitimacy of taking initiative is measured by the common good, stability, promotion of common values, and leading by example. A leader attracts others by his actions and best practice and encourages them to cooperation.

The Balkan states are neighbours who know each other well, therefore I believe it necessary for us as leaders to develop a partnership, a relation which would result, I am sure, in a fulfilment of many common goals and at the same time spontaneously spread to the citizens of all the countries in the region. Then, what we inherited from the past would stay where it belongs, in the past. Today, we have to think about our companies’ joint ventures onto third markets, cross-border cooperation, cooperation of state authorities, local self-governments.

This picture of the region in the future will be a clear message to the international leaders that the Balkans is an infinite source of ideas and a trusty partner in international politics, and is, after all its experiences, ready to share them with those who are still to find their own truth, peace and reconciliation.

Finally, I would like to stress that we must be aware of the responsibility that the decisions we make now are creating our common future.

Thank you!