Today at the National Assembly House, a delegation of the Foreign Affairs and European Integrations Committees headed by Natasa Vuckovic, talked to a delegation of the Standing Advisory Council of the Baden-Württemberg Provincial Assembly, headed by Brigitte Kipfer, Deputy Council President. The delegation comprised Social Democratic Party deputies, members of the Assembly’s Legal and Constitutional Issues Committee.

Stating Serbia’s basic foreign policy priorities, Natasa Vuckovic highlighted the country’s absolute dedication to accede to the European Union, reminding that the National Assembly had ratified the Transitional Trade Agreement with the EU and that Serbia has been implementing it unilaterally.

She said that, considering the European Commission’s positive report and opinion that Serbia is cooperating with the Hague Tribunal, Serbia expects the Netherlands to give consent to unfreeze the SAA. She informed the guests that the two committees’ delegation shall visit the Dutch Parliament and attempt to influence a change in the Dutch position.

Talking about the negative impact of the global economic crisis on Serbia, Vuckovic stated that Serbia’s financial sector has remained stable and mentioned the current negotiations with the IMF regarding a loan that should help overcome the crisis.

The members of the National Assembly delegation stressed that Serbian economy definitely needs investment which might present a possibility for cooperation with the province of Baden-Württemberg. They also reminded all present that a Joint Commission of Serbia-Baden-Württemberg was founded in 2008 aimed at improving cooperation in the spheres of economy, infrastructure, water management and other areas, particularly on projects relating to the Danube region. They also emphasised the promotion of cooperation between towns and local communities.

The members of the German parliamentary delegation stressed that their country supports Serbia’s accession to the European Union and is pleased to note Serbia’s progress on that path.

The Chairmen of the Justice and Administration Committee and Administrative Committee, Bosko Ristic and Nenad Konstantinovic respectively, also met with the delegation of the Standing Advisory Council of the Baden-Württemberg Provincial Assembly. They briefed the guests on the two assembly committees’ work, speaking mostly about the judiciary reforms currently underway.