The EUmeter platform enables transparent monitoring of Serbia's reforms on its path towards the EU. Brnabić highlights its importance for future decision-making.
Ana Brnabić, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, took part in the BELTALKS: Belgrade Economic Talks conference organised by GLOBSEC, where EUmeter was presented - a new WMG Foundation platform for the systematic and transparent monitoring of Serbia's progress in the European Union accession process.
She spoke in an interview about the significance of a platform that shows Serbia's progress - as well as that of other regional countries - towards the European Union "in black and white", highlighting the areas where the greatest headway has been made, where reforms are lagging, and how far off membership requirements are.
How significant is the EUmeter platform for the European integration process?
"I have to say that I saw the presentation of this new tool, which can be of great help to both the next composition of parliament and the new Government of Serbia to review and set priorities. It is especially important to see in which departments reforms moved faster, where more was done, and where much more needs to be done.
It was interesting for me to see that some ministries are exceptionally successful, such as the Ministry of Finance, whilst others are somewhat less so. Still, I cannot overly criticise them, because they have a massive portfolio and probably focus on things that are more important for citizens and the economy, perhaps not paying enough attention to implementing reforms in line with the European legal framework," Brnabić stated.
She noted that the platform is an important auxiliary tool for the Government and Parliament, as it clearly outlines what can be done differently and faster on the European path.
"To a large extent, this also depends on politics, and not just on reforms. This tool shows that if the entire European integration process were, as constantly repeated, based solely on results, Serbia would have to be right alongside Montenegro. I liked the fact that you coined a new phrase which is very accurate – political 'front-runner'. In that sense, those are certainly Montenegro and Albania. However, when you see how much Albania lags behind Serbia in implementing reforms, you realise how much more Serbia has deserved, at the very least, the opening of Cluster 3. And through that tool, you showed once again that we have achieved the highest degree of alignment and preparedness precisely in that area, yet that cluster has still not been opened," she declared.
How will it influence decision-makers in Brussels?
Brnabić assessed that concrete indicators could also influence member states that have thus far hindered Serbia's further progress - particularly regarding the opening of clusters - as they could highlight the gap between achieved results and decisions made within the enlargement process.
"The European Union is a club that we wish to join. That club can set its own rules, but they must be consistent. They cannot differ from one country to another, and that is precisely what is happening. This tool can expose those inconsistencies harboured by the European Union itself and individual members. In that sense, from our side or the side of another candidate, it can be used to apply pressure on them," she added.
Is the phased approach an opportunity for Serbia?
The frequently mentioned "phased approach" to the European Union was one of the discussion topics. Brnabić assessed that this proposal speaks volumes about how Serbia perceives its place in the EU, as well as how much it desires to become part of the European family. She pointed out that it is a courageous approach, especially bearing in mind that it has faced criticism even from a portion of those in Serbia who advocate for EU membership.
According to her, such a reaction demonstrates a certain inconsistency in the approach towards European integrations, whilst a phased inclusion of Serbia would, in her view, be beneficial for both Serbia and the European Union itself. She explained that such a model would show that Serbia believes in its own capacities and competitiveness, and that its goal is not EU membership exclusively for access to European funds.
"We have said that we do not want that money; we want to be part of the Schengen Area and part of the European economic market. But we believe in ourselves, we believe in our competitiveness, our knowledge, and we believe that only this will help us become even more competitive, so that salaries and pensions grow far faster than they do now. We can manage the rest ourselves," Brnabić stated.
Why is GLOBSEC important for Serbia?
Speaking on the significance of participating in such an event, Brnabić highlighted the importance of the partnership with GLOBSEC, which organises some of the most influential conferences. As she noted, GLOBSEC gathers a large number of prominent people and decision-makers, and the partnership itself enables Serbia to position itself as yet another European centre for decision-making and discussions on vital topics - in this case economic ones - which matter most to citizens and the economy.
She assessed that it is a highly important conference and expressed satisfaction that it is held annually, with the expectation that it will grow stronger year after year in terms of its lineup of speakers.
(EUpravo zato.rs)
