The Head of the PFG with Germany Vesna Markovic said that the group she chairs has 84 members, more than in either of the previous two legislatures, which only demonstrates the high level of relations between the two countries. She stressed that EU accession is Serbia’s chief foreign policy goal so any support and assistance coming from Germany, especially as regards judiciary reform, is more than welcome. She said that EU enlargement is important not only for stability in Western Balkans Europe but for the stability of the entire European Union. She added that economic cooperation is exceptionally good and that German companies in Serbia employ about 35,000 of its people, which in turn improves the standard of living.

Speaking of the migration crisis, Markovic said that although it is not an EU member the Republic of Serbia was the first to register all persons entering its territory, offer adequate medical assistance and assist with housing and food, and is currently home to 7000 migrants. She said that Serbia is cooperating with European partners on the matter as evident in the intensive and successful cooperation between the Serbian and German police, necessary to jointly overcome the situation, as soon as possible.

Markovic also added that she puts great hope into the Berlin Process which is greatly important for the stability and economic development of the Western Balkans.

Tim-Christopher Zeelen, heading the German delegation, said that cooperation between parliamentary friendship groups is very important for bilateral relations. He informed the MPs about the delegation’s visit to Novi Sad which has been declared European Capital of Culture for 2021, where they exchanged views with the city representatives on assuming this important role.

The PFG members informed the members of the Berlin parliament that many projects have been realized with the help of German organizations enabling the development of local self-governments, as well as public administration and local self-government reform and strengthening agricultural production capacities, and said they hoped Germany would continue to invest into Serbia.