In an interview with EUpravo, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Martijn Elgersma, discusses cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands, European integration, the values that connect us, and the steps that lie ahead.
The Netherlands is one of Serbia’s most active European partners in supporting reforms, advancing the EU accession process, and encouraging direct investment in the economy. His Excellency Martijn Elgersma, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, shares his first impressions of Serbia, the values the Netherlands promotes, joint development potential, and the importance of the rule of law.
He arrived in Serbia nine months ago, in September, at a time he describes as perfect for discovering the country under ideal weather conditions. He begins by sharing his initial impressions and describing how he sees our country and its people.
"I like the hospitality of the Serbian people, their openness and curiosity. Also, the level of English spoken across the country is impressive. Aside from the people, I’m also captivated by the beauty of your country. I explore it through work but take weekends to travel, hike, cycle, or drive when necessary. Fruška Gora, the Đerdap Gorge, Mount Povlen, and beautiful cities like Novi Sad and Subotica have made a big impression on me, and there’s still so much to explore."
Last month, King’s Day was celebrated – what messages does the Netherlands convey through this holiday, and how do you see them in the context of relations with Serbia?
"Yes, we celebrated our national holiday in Belgrade, and also in Podgorica. Although the embassy is in Belgrade, we are responsible for both Serbia and Montenegro. While the Dutch are known for being individualists, King’s Day unites the population – the celebrations are quite informal, the royal family joins in, and they visit a different city each year. Across the country, we celebrate in the streets, eating and dancing together, and we express our entrepreneurial spirit by selling goods in front of our homes. The main goal of the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade is to support Serbia on its path to joining the European Union, and this was evident during the celebrations. We strongly support the direction Serbia has chosen, and our business ties, particularly in agriculture and IT, further confirm that."
The Netherlands is among the countries that consistently support EU enlargement, while at the same time insisting on full compliance with the criteria, especially in the area of the rule of law. Through bilateral cooperation, significant investments, and political support for reforms, the country actively contributes to Serbia’s modernisation and European perspective. How do you assess Serbia’s current progress in the EU integration process, particularly regarding the rule of law?
"Serbia has decided to pursue reforms in this area because the entire Serbian society will benefit from them. It’s important to understand that the rule of law is not something imposed on Serbia by the EU (or the Netherlands). I believe the EU is the right choice – we see globally that countries performing well in terms of the rule of law also rank highly in happiness indices. The EU can only function if the law is applied consistently in all member states.
The Netherlands strongly advocates full alignment with European laws. The pace of accession largely depends on the pace of reforms. This doesn’t just mean adopting legislation and establishing institutions, but also implementing them in the true spirit of the law. For example, judicial independence must be real, not just formal. When it comes to media freedom, I encourage the new government to continue reforms in this area as well – we are monitoring the selection of REM Council members and cases of attacks and threats against journalists."
The Netherlands is known as a country with high expectations when it comes to EU membership standards. Are these criteria an obstacle or an opportunity?
"We firmly believe that Serbia’s membership would make the EU stronger. My country is one of the EU’s founding members, and we believe that all members must uphold the same values. Alignment with the fundamentals of democracy and the rule of law is a prerequisite for safeguarding all other rights. Every reform Serbia carries out is a direct benefit to its citizens. As a small country with an open economy, the Netherlands understands interdependence and the advantages that come with cooperation."
Which areas do you see as key for further deepening Serbia–Netherlands relations?
"The Dutch government has a strategy for the Western Balkans, and strengthening ties with Serbia is one of the priorities. Politically, we’re seeing an increasing number of high-level visits – recently, the foreign ministers met, the Speaker of Parliament Ms Brnabić visited the Netherlands, and soon the Dutch Ombudsman will visit Serbia. Dutch companies have a strong presence in Serbia in sectors such as retail, food industry, beer, IT, agriculture, energy, shipbuilding, and construction. These companies raise standards and help deepen connections between our societies.
I would especially highlight the MATRA programme, through which we support the rule of law and train civil servants – we’ve trained hundreds of them, which also strengthens our bilateral ties."
What is the experience of Dutch companies operating in Serbia?
"Dutch companies know the country well and are generally very satisfied with doing business in Serbia. They often tell me that Serbs and the Dutch share a similar, direct, and reliable business style. Of course, the Serbian business lunch can’t be compared to the Dutch one – a cheese sandwich and a glass of milk. Companies are eagerly awaiting Serbia’s progress toward the EU, as it will bring less bureaucracy and greater legal certainty.
Dutch firms are among the leading foreign investors in Serbia, and alongside capital, they bring knowledge, innovation, and sustainable business practices. There is still significant untapped potential, especially in areas like water management, green technologies, and digital innovation. I’m especially pleased that the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture has decided to move its office from Budapest to Belgrade – a clear sign of our belief in Serbia’s potential in this field."
Finally, what is your message to the citizens of Serbia?
"The Netherlands believes that all Western Balkan countries belong in the European Union and that they will one day become part of it. The path may seem difficult, but Serbia has shown many times that when it truly wants something, it can achieve it. The Netherlands will continue to support the necessary reforms. I encourage Serbia to take the required steps, and I look forward to the moment when we can raise a glass of rakija to the next big step on that journey."
(EUpravo zato.rs)
