The Deputy Chairman of the European Integration Committee, Laszlo Varga, briefed the Estonian parliamentary delegation on Serbia’s European integration process and the public opinion on the matter. Varga underlined the importance of the Estonian parliamentary delegation’s visit and Estonia’s support of Serbia’s progress to the European Union. It is very important that the decision on getting the start date for Serbia’s membership talks, expected in June, is positive, said Varga adding that this would make Serbia’s European perspective more visible.
The head of the Estonian parliamentary delegation, Arto Aas said that this was the first visit by an Estonian parliamentary delegation to the National Assembly and relayed his country’s positive attitude to the Western Balkan countries’ European Union accession process. Aas also spoke of the political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, commending Serbia’s commitment to a successful implementation of the Brussels Agreement.
Taking part in the conversation, Committee member Jadranka Joksimovic highlighted the importance of the two countries exchanging parliamentary delegation visits, listing the best practice example achieved within the Baltic cooperation model which could be applied in Serbia. MPs Dijana Vukomanovic, Vladimir Ilic and Dragomir Karic informed the guests about Serbia’s state policy on Kosovo-Metohija, the economic situation in Serbia, plans for the public sector reform, pension system and reindustrialization, as well as the situation in the sphere of foreign investment.
The meeting was also attended by Committee members Ivan Andric, Ljubisa Stojmirovic and Karolj Cizik.

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In the meeting with the Estonian parliamentarians, Deputy Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee Irena Vujovic thanked Estonia for the support it offers Serbia’s approach to the European Union. She briefed the guests on the National Assembly’s work and the scope of the Foreign Affairs Committee, mentioning the recent establishment of the Women’s Parliamentary Network and parliamentary friendship groups with 65 countries, Estonia among them. Declaring the relations between Serbia and Estonia good, she said that overall cooperation could be furthered and bilateral relations intensified through parliamentary cooperation, cooperation between parliamentary friendship groups and parliamentary committees.
Addressing the Estonian parliamentarians, Committee member Maja Gojkovic said that the two countries’ relations are good and Serbia appreciates Estonia’s being the first country to ratify the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. She stressed that regional cooperation is important for Serbia which enjoys good cooperation with its neighbouring countries, adding that the Western Balkans belong in Europe.
Committee member Natasa Vuckovic spoke of Serbia’s foreign policy priorities, stressing that the most important processes are tied to the implementation of the Brussels Agreement and Serbia’s progress to Europe. She stressed that the opposition in Serbia endorses the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, believing it to be the best way to address the existing problems.
The Estonian guests were also addressed by Committee member Dr Ljubisa Stojmirovic who stressed that at the foreign policy level Serbia cooperates with all the countries and appreciates Estonia’s support of its progress to EU.
The head of the Estonian parliamentary delegation, Arto Aas applauded Serbia’s efforts toward approaching the EU, sure that the Brussels Agreement will be successfully implemented. He conveyed Estonia’s readiness to improve cooperation and assist Serbia, especially its progress to Europe, hoping that the country’s experience would prove helpful for Serbia. Stressing that this is the first parliamentary delegation to visit Serbia, he invited the European Integration and Foreign Affairs Committees to come visit the Estonian Parliament.