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FMA STUDY VISIT TO SERBIA REVISITED: THE LUCKY DIP APPROACH TO HISTORY

If there is one constant theme in a constant effort to preserve trauma seems to succeed another. Serbian history, and thus in the ’ that equilibrium, but without What do the Balkan countries have historical image of themselves, it is acknowledging the Serbs’ natural in common? In the past century this: Serbia is the heartland of the leadership role. and half, they have never decided Balkans. It has the most glorious past, It was only seven years later that the their own fate. The decisions that put up the most frequent resistance sense of resentment was released mattered have been taken for them to the Turks, was the most cruelly when the new Serbian party in Berlin, London, St Petersburg, punished, but, in 1879, was the first leader Miloševic took advantage Paris, Vienna and Istanbul. They to gain its independence. It seemed of it. Riding on the waves of Serb can also be said to have a common as if the country was guaranteed nationalism, he overthrew party heritage, because there is something the right to play a leading role in leaders who thought differently in which failed in all those new the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, which Vojvodina, and , countries alike, despite having was created after the First World secured a majority within the Central succeeded elsewhere: the democratic War. Serbia’s dominance was met Committee and ultimately became experiment. It was only in 1989 and with fury and opposition, particularly leader of the State. His claims 1991 that the concept of democracy from Croats and Slovenes, to had triumphed over those of the was encountered for the first time for which King Alexander responded Croats and Slovenes who seceded, practical purposes. by declaring a royal dictatorship. promptly followed by the Bosnians, The history of the Southern Slavs In 1934, on the orders of Croatian Macedonians, and used to be a lucky dip, which could fascists, he was assassinated. When Kosovars. The old federation was be a source of unlimited embellished the regent, Paul, reached a possible definitively wrecked by the radicalised glory as well as allowing people to agreement between Croats and warfare of the 1990s. Thus the 20th claim for themselves heroic courage Serbs to establish a democratic century ended as it had begun: with in order to demonise treacherous country, the Second World War war in and over the Balkans. neighbours. This resulted in broke out and occupying forces “Balkanisation” has become a melodramatic nationalism, which made mincemeat of such aspirations. concept which stands for centuries- isolated people and kept hate figures In 1945, Tito established his national old feuds over historical rights, ethnic potent. Since then the tide has communist dictatorship, he being cleansing, vendettas, fragmentation turned. However, once again it is a the only statesman to appreciate and religious intransigence. The “great power”, the European Union, that a multiethnic state could survive Balkans were bypassed by the that seems destined to determine the only if a careful balance was struck Renaissance and the Enlightenment. future of this turbulent region where between the desires and interests of Humanism, tolerance, reason, Celts, Greeks, Romans, Huns, Turks, all its people. Until his death in 1980, individualisation and mutual respect Ottomans, Habsburgs and Nazis have he experimented, manipulated, never gained sufficient ground all had their day. A shared future punished and rewarded, in in that part of Europe where one for independent Balkan republics under the aegis of the EU ought to make “balkanisation” a more positive term than indicated above. An authoritative Dutch monolingual dictionary still defines it like this: “creation of uncertainty, disorder and terror in a country”. Jan–Willem Bertens ELDR, Netherlands (1988-1999) Prince Mihailo Monument in Belgrade ©IStock: nedomacki [email protected] 20 FMA BULLETIN - 57

COMING IN AND GOING OUT

It was a strange experience joining the Former Members Study visit to Serbia. Travelling from the UK, now preparing to leave the EU in 2019, to Serbia whose Government is deeply involved in accession negotiations, was not a journey I had ever imagined. Our meetings with Government were positive. Serbia, though still with high unemployment, has been improving its GDP. Differences among ethnic and religious minority groups are handled imaginatively by means of national representative councils. A big stumbling block is relations with Anna Karamanou and Gisela Kallenbach during the visit Kosovo which is not yet recognised as an independent country by all EU which is below EU average, and the expressed at the low level of member states.. Relations with Russia construction of the projected gas independence of the judiciary. also cause tensions. pipeline to Bulgaria which would Back home I learned that the small The most hopeful sign is that cheapen energy supplies. coastal port of Amble, 20km north current financial support to Meetings with NGOs tended to of where I live, was to have a £55 Serbia from the EU, will, over the be more critical of Government million housing development. When years, boost economic growth, though business groups were first elected to the EP the town bring down unemployment and enthusiastic and actively was suffering from the loss of its ease these tensions pursuing the opportunities that coal trade and most of its fishing. It was encouraging to note the they believed EU membership The coal mines were closing. I agricultural potential but economic would bring. The powers of the supported the local council in its growth would also be strengthened Prime Minister were questioned application for Regional Funding by an increased investment in R&D, by some and dissatisfaction towards the building of a marina. It has proved to be a catalyst for the recovery of the local community. Not always a smooth journey but time, effort and patience can work wonders. It is a lesson to which the EU member countries must hold fast in the turbulent political times that lie ahead.

Gordon Adam PES, United Kingdom (1979-2004) Meeting with the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 57 21

SERBIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

Serbia wants to join the EU in 2020. There are still some obstacles to be overcome, however. The biggest challenge is to improve relations with three of its nearest neighbours: Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo. Bitter disagreements need to be resolved with all three countries. They stem from cultural claims, ethnic divides, shifting borders and territorial disputes - a centuries-old legacy. They have fostered a mutual distrust that can quickly escalate into open hostility. These disagreements are detrimental to trade and to the development of each of the ©Istock countries involved. Croatia and Serbia have never than ever. In a recent referendum, on the country. allowed the wounds they inflicted an overwhelming majority of It would be wrong for the European on one another in the Second Bosnian Serbs demonstrated their Union to continue treating these World War to heal. On both sides desire for reunification with the four states - which are vulnerable of the border, the governments mother country. and corrupt to differing degrees - as constantly rehearse the most painful Kosovo poses an even greater individual cases. A joint approach stories from that period. The war problem. The Serb minority living in is required because their fates are that started in 1991 deepened the the north of the country acts as if interlinked. If only Brussels would resentment between them. The Kosovo did not exist as a state and grasp this! If only it would act swiftly! massacre of Croats at Vukovar and the Serbian Government has made In every one of these republics, the expulsion of Serbs from Krajina it clear that it has no intention of the economic, social and political stirred up old animosities. During recognising the authorities in . situation is worsening and extremists our trip, the press in Belgrade Using carrot-and-stick tactics, the are gaining ground. Nothing good vociferously denounced alleged plans EU recently managed to organise will come of this, either for the for a genocide being hatched by the a meeting between the two prime region or for Europe as a whole. In Croatian Government. ministers. All that came out of it, my opinion, this is the main lesson to In Bosnia, it is the treatment however, were low-level technical be learnt from our trip to Serbia. of the Serb minority which is agreements and empty words. souring relations between the two This tense situation is seriously neighbours. The major powers hampering economic development thought that a decentralised across the region. Kosovo has no power structure and mutual outlets for its goods and is becoming decision-making would end tensions poorer and poorer. Bosnia is between Bosnian and hopelessly mired in poverty. Croatia “Greater Serbia” nationalists; is in a slightly better situation, given they were wrong. Although the that it is an EU Member State, civil war which ended in 1995 but unemployment has risen and has not flared up again, the two wages are low. In Serbia, the lack Michel Pinton communities are more estranged of job prospects is prompting many NI, France (1979-2004) young people to turn their backs [email protected] 22 FMA BULLETIN - 57

SERBIA AND ITS ECONOMIC SITUATION

After signing an association agreement in 2008, Serbia became a candidate for EU accession in 2012; is it prepared for membership? Serbia, which lies on the edge of the Pannonian Plain and contains a part of the Dinaric Alps, has throughout history been associated with Hungary and Bulgaria. It was ruled by the Turks for around 500 years, and is now one of the poorer Habsburg successor states behind Croatia and Romania. Per capita income is low at USD 12 4th meeting of EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) in 450 p.a. (average wages of EUR 2015 © European Union 300 per month), with very low productivity in agriculture, which bombardment during Milosevic’s 78 projects, regional cooperations accounts for just 8% of overall added time, there is also dissatisfaction between the cities we former value (gross domestic product). Of and increasing disappointment parliamentarians visited (Novi Sad its 7.1 million inhabitants, with many that Kosovo’s declaration (Vojvodina) and Nis) and Baden- large families, 1 million people are of independence has been Württemberg and Hesse appeared employed in the informal economy internationally recognised by most to be working very well, as did those and unemployment is rife. UN member countries. Many Serbs with China. Foreign direct investment fell hope that relations with Moscow Both of these cities, one in the north, in 2015, perhaps as a result of (free trade agreement) could see the the other in the south, are university persistent political risks, despite the return of Kosovo to their country as towns that train a great many judicial system’s harmonisation with a result of pressure from the Kremlin. engineers. There are also IT hubs that EU law. Not only is there instability in The Russians are skilfully turning provide incentives for many SMEs, the wake of the wars with Croatia, Serbia’s friendship to their advantage, with 2000 engineers employed in Bosnia, Kosovo and the NATO with growing propaganda, to Novi Sad alone. acquire, for example, its refineries at Serbia, with its strategic position a knock-down price. between Turkey and the EU and with Not enough of the economy various free trade zones, is a sought- has perhaps been privatised in after potential investment partner, comparison with other transition especially via the EU’s SME network. economies, although many foreign We hope that its progress towards banks already operate in the country. greater stability continues. While inflation remains low (low labour costs), financial stability remains still some way off, with a rising budget deficit and debt. The EU has so far provided support Ursula Braun-Moser to the tune of EUR 3.3 billion in Germany, pre-accession aid. EPP (1984-1989), While the direct investment in the EPP-ED (1990 - 1994) country of EUR 3.1 billion benefits [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 57 23

EARLY EU MEMBERSHIP OF SERBIA NOT GUARANTEED

Since 2014 Serbia is an applicant its integration and accession policy. Traditional Serbian and Russian links country for EU membership. Russia, with its long historic links can of course be maintained, but The official position of the with the Balkan countries, is inserting at the same time the EU values of Serbian Government towards EU itself into this new power vacuum democracy and the Rule of Law membership remains positive. in the region. Russia uses its soft should be accepted by the Serbian Nevertheless, a number of important power to increase its influence in the Government. After all Serbia has barriers for membership have to Balkans and win hearts and minds. committed itself to gradually be overcome. We may hope that Serbia is no exception. Over the years associate itself to the Common this will be the case. Serbia, as a Russia has scored with Serbia e.g. by Security and Foreign Policy including potentially leading country in the vetoing a UN resolution condemning the non-recognition of Crimea Balkans, could be a stabilizing factor the Srebrenica massacre as genocide. occupation by Russia. in a region of Europe which has for Russia supports Serbia in its policy Finally, on the internal front, such a long period being a powder relating to Kosovo. Serbia, on its freedom of expression is one of the keg of nationalist outbursts. part does not support the current values on which the EU is founded Economically, although slowly, Serbia Western sanctions against Russia. and promotion these values is makes progress. On the other hand, As a result Serbia is engaged in a fundamental to assess a country’s at least three political stumbling difficult balancing act between its aspirations to become an EU blocks remain. In the first place EU objective of membership and member. In this respect, according little or no progress has been made a positive attitude towards Russia. to the 2016 World Press Freedom in relation to the normalization of There is a trend to present its role Index, the development of a free relations between Serbia and Kosovo. as a bridge between the EU and media in the Western Balkan region It is worrying that the political Russia, as if they can be seen as has either come to a halt or is in dialogue between Serbia and the being on the same footing. But reverse. Unfortunately this is also the Government of Kosovo, promised at the end of the day such a vision case in Serbia. in the earlier Brussels agreement of cannot be maintained. In particular the delays in 2013, has stalled. In particular the If only in economic terms trade implementing new media laws, talks concerning special powers for relations and direct investment guaranteeing a better protection of the Serb minority have remained between the EU and Serbia the independence of journalists, are at a standstill. constitute more than 70 per cent of worrying. Freedom of expression Another problem is the growing overall Serbian trade. On the other and press freedom, an independent tendency in the region to consider hand the trade and overall economic judiciary and full parliamentary the EU as not very serious about relations with Russia are very modest. control of governmental actions are essential ingredients of a European culture. In conclusion: Serbia has come a long way from its turbulent past of the last century. Clearly the Serbian government recognizes that there is no alternative for the way forward. But at the same time there is still a considerable way to go.

Laurens Jan Brinkhorst Official visit of the President of the European Parliament to the Western Balkans. ELDR, Netherlands (1994-1999) President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz addresses the Serbian parliament in [email protected] Belgrade, Serbia on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. © European Union 24 FMA BULLETIN - 57

WOMEN’S RIGHTS & GENDER EQUALITY IN SERBIA

Ms Aleksandra Lekic, head of as well as the EU New Framework Particular concerns are expressed in Trade Unions Confederation, for Gender Equality and Women’s regard to violence against women, at the meeting with our FMA Empowerment, in line with the noting that the number of women delegation, was clear: “There is process of Serbia’s accession to EU killed by their partners has increased, not a single safe job in Serbia. (particularly chapters 19 and 23). the number of shelters is insufficient There is extensive discrimination Concerning the area of equal and there is no national women’s and bias against women in the treatment, labour legislation has helpline. It is evident that legislation labour market, unstable jobs, work yet to be fully implemented. The and mechanisms for the protection without contracts, more flexibility, employment rate of women (38.3%) of women against all forms of less security, dismissal of pregnant is significantly lower than the violence need to be strengthened. women and women on maternity EU-27 (58,5%). Women still do not As stated by the sociologist professor leave, as well as sexual harassment participate to the same degree as Marina Blagojevic-Hughson, we met and inequality in promotion and men in the labour market. However, in Novi Sad, “Catching up” creates salaries. Official unemployment the rate of women on boards lies specific gender regimes, highly is at 13-15%, however, in reality at 16% and is higher than the dependent on women’s resources in it is much higher. Women’s EU-average (14%). At the same both the private and public domains, unemployment is higher than men’s, time, the rate of women in national which generally improve women’s while youth unemployment has government is very low with 11% individual and collective bargaining reached skyrocket”. (EU average 26%). Women are position. However, strong patriarchal In fact, Serbia, is at a crucial stage underrepresented in executive and and misogynous ideologies serve in its political and socioeconomic legislative power, at central and to counterbalance women’s gains, development. After a phase of regional level. enable continuous high exploitation economic growth, of poverty Serbia has taken steps to strengthen of their resources, and domesticate reduction and increase in living the protection of the rights of and pacify women successfully”. standards, the country was affected lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Ms Blagojevic also said that the by the 2008 global economic crisis . and intersex (LGBTI) persons. Effort private sphere in Serbia, is built Gender Equality policy is guided by is also dedicated to the promotion around family and kinship networks the principles declared by the key of economic participation of women still largely compensate for the international frameworks, as the from vulnerable groups, including lack of institutional state support Beijing Declaration and Platform rural women, roma women, women for families. This means that the for Action, the UN Convention older than 60 years old, victims of often extended family is playing an on Elimination of all forms of violence and women from ethnic important role as a “survival unit”. Discrimination Against Women, minority groups. I would add that the gender regime in Serbia keeps many characteristics from the legacy of five centuries of Ottoman occupation, which ended on 1878. Women in all Balkan counties sill struggle to catch up and get rid of the anachronistic Balkan/ patriarchal culture, which opposes modernization and gender justice. EU shows the way! Anna Karamanou PES, Grece (1997-2004) Meeting with Trade Unions [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 57 25

FOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF CONSTANTINE THE GREAT

Serbia, a place where roads and and mosaics, built between the 3rd and the strengthening of the civilisations meet, a country full of and 4th centuries by the river and CEFTA free trade agreement and contrasts where nature and history hot springs, abundant in gardens, agreements with European countries. play a fundamental role, has always flower beds, courtyards, sculptures, Serbia focuses greatly on showcasing been the scene of age-old conflicts, columns, fountains, pools and baths, its cultural heritage, as shown by the with wars, fires and destruction with an amazing irrigation system. candidacy of Novi Sad for European which have left their mark but have Today, Niš is a centre of academic Capital of Culture 2021. Novi Sad, strengthened the country’s historic excellence with some 30 000 on the north bank of the Danube, and cultural identity. students, 12 faculties and innovative is the capital of the Vojovodina It used to be one of the most research laboratories. It is one of the Region and a well-known industrial, important European centres of the key industrial centres of the country academic and cultural centre which is prehistoric world. in the electronics, automotive, famous for the ‘EXIT’ music festival The famous Roman emperor mechanical engineering, textiles and boasts numerous museums and Constantine the Great, who in and tobacco sectors. Third largest galleries rich in works of art and 313 issued the Edict of Milan on city in Serbia, with around 300 archaeological exhibits. religious tolerance and in 330 000 inhabitants, it hosts numerous Serbia is determined to join the founded Constantinople, was born cultural and sports events and is rich European Union and is carefully in 274 A.D. in Niš, administrative in mineral and thermal springs. examining the chapters of the centre of the Nišava District, located Mayor Darko BulatoviĆ and the Accession Treaty, particularly with at the crossroads of Balkan and Chair of the City Council Rade regard to justice and human European highways connecting Asia RajkoviĆ warmly welcomed our rights, but has no intention of Minor to Europe, in the southern delegation, stressing the importance recognising the independence of part of Serbia. of developing international relations Kosovo and wishes to maintain its Niš suffered, in different eras, and presenting a local economic centuries-old alliance with Russia, invasions by the Goths, Bulgarians, development programme consisting owing both to its Slavic identity and Hungarians; once it had been of projects aimed at attracting Orthodox Christian religion and re-conquered by the Serbs, the city foreign investors, who would be to the economic, political, military was then taken by the Ottoman required to employ local staff in and cultural agreements that have Turks in 1375, as evidenced by the order to reduce unemployment. The opened up significant trade channels, large fortress built in 1719/1730 strategic investment plan is based on especially in the infrastructure and on the foundations of the Roman, the development of infrastructure, energy sectors. Byzantine and medieval fort. The both the road network and airports, I personally believe that the accession ‘Tower of skulls’ (Ćele kula), a tower of Serbia to the EU is important in that currently incorporates 58 skulls the interest of balance in the Balkan of ‘rebel’ Serbs (initially it had 952) is area and to complete the European impressive. It was built by the Turks project from a historical and cultural as a warning after the Cegar victory point of view. of 1809 and the Serbs keep it to show the price paid by their fathers for independence. The archaeological site ‘Mediana’, one of the most ancient Christian monuments, is extraordinarily beautiful: it was the sumptuous Monica Baldi residence of the Roman emperors – The FMA Delegation with the Municipal EPP-DE, Italy,(1994-1999) 40 hectares decorated with frescoes [email protected] President Rade RajkoviĆ in Nis 26 FMA BULLETIN - 57

VOIVODINA AND ITS PEOPLE: “UNITED IN DIVERSITY”

Outside the restaurant where we are Novi Sad on the Danube attracted dining in the woods on the edge of colonists and merchants from all Novi Sad, the waters of the Danube corners of the Habsburg Empire. glisten in the early autumn sunshine. Thus Voivodina became a veritable A few boats are out on the water, melting-pot, boasting of being home and on the other side we can make to 22 or 23 different “nationalities” out, on the verdant hills, the red roofs or ethnicities, speaking some 15 of scattered houses and a church languages and practising various with an attractive onion tower typical religions... and living in peace... of the former Austro-Hungarian Our hosts during our visit to Novi Jan-Willem Bertens, Leader of the FMA Delegation with Igor Mirovic, President of Empire. This afternoon, on the broad, Sad, members of the Provincial the Government of Vojvodina café-lined, pedestrian streets of the Assembly or the Provincial Executive, capital of Voivodina, in this charming are particularly proud of it; they population (1.3 million people), and peaceful landscape, we have the were keen to show off to us the Hungarian by around 300 000, impression that life is good. democratic model that has been put Slovak by 50 000, and Romanian And yet this autonomous province in place to preserve these cultural and Ruthenian by a few tens of of northern Serbia, one of the most and linguistic identities. Anyone thousands each. Our hosts stressed ethnically diverse regions of Europe, who declares, on a voluntary basis, that the minorities “National has – in theory – all the hallmarks that they belong to one or other Councils” are being consulted in of a place likely to be troubled minority, is allowed to participate connection with the negotiations by communal strife, in a region – in addition to their vote as Serbian for EU accession, in particular the where such strife has raged and still nationals in regional and national recently opened Chapter 23 on gives rise to fierce ethnic tensions. elections – in the elections to that fundamental rights. They told us Protected by the Austro-Hungarian minority’s “National Council”, with a smile that Voivodina could be Empire, at the end of the 17th which is consulted on all questions a model for Europe, with its pluralist century Voivodina was a refuge for relating to culture, education and concept of citizenship and its layers groups of Serbs who were subject language use. The province also of belonging: to a state, a region and to attacks and oppression by the has five official languages which a culture. Ottoman Empire; its broad, highly appear on public buildings: Serbian, We stayed too short a time in fertile plains and its river port of spoken by some 75% of the Voivodina to look more closely at the reality of living in this pluralist society. At a time when, in response to the upheavals of globalisation, questions and tensions about identity are proliferating everywhere in our European countries, it would be worthwhile finding out more about this “living together” arrangement, and we can only hope it will last, and remain peaceful!

Martine Buron PES, France (1988-1994) Meeting with the Head of the Government of AP Vojvodina [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 57 27

THE YOUNG GENERATION

Wherever you go, talking to young genocide of Serbs and nationalists the Second World War to 2008, the people can provide an accurate in Kosovo who are still calling for result of a collective history project. insight into a country’s development. a Greater Albania, but the term Historians from almost all the states We were therefore keen to find “Srebrenica” meant nothing to her! of former Yugoslavia contributed out what questions the Belgrade This should definitely set alarm bells to the research, with the aim of students would have for us. It ringing. providing a balanced account of the came as no surprise that their There is a danger that the discussion historical events. Unfortunately, the questions primarily concerned the about losing Kosovo is masking textbooks still do not feature on the EU’s relationship with Russia, Turkey important internal issues in Serbia, national curriculum, just like those and, of course, Kosovo. There was such as unemployment, poorly paid published in 2006 assessing regional a tangible sense of disappointment jobs, future economic development, history from the Ottoman Empire that we no longer see Kosovo as corruption, the role of the media, to the Second World War. It is up to an integral part of Serbia. In late and the trustworthiness of politicians. the teachers to decide whether or July, a survey conducted by the To be fair, I should mention that we not they want to use the materials Belgrade Institute for European also met young people who were available to them. It doesn’t have to Affairs revealed that some 55% of open-minded and optimistic about be this way! the population wants their country their country’s potential future in 2. In its negotiations with Serbia, the to join the EU. That said, the majority the EU. Through their own personal Commission needs to do everything of young Serbians under the age of commitment, they hope to play in its power to prevent the past 29 tend to favour closer links with their part in the emergence of a from casting a shadow over a bright Russia. As many as 51% of them free, democratic constitutional state, European future for the country. even want negotiations with the EU however far off that may seem today. Tackling this issue in the talks on to be halted. Former deputy minister As I see it, there are two ways of Chapter 26 (‘Education and Culture’), of education Prof. Srbijanka Turajlic bringing the majority of young which should hopefully be opened puts this down to the fact that people round to the idea of Serbia by the end of this year, would seem young people are often unaware becoming part of the European to be the best way to do so. In of the unfortunate role that Serbia family, which does make sense addition, student exchanges, red played in the wars in Yugoslavia geographically. tape-free involvement in the Erasmus and that, regrettably, they are 1. Education, education, education! programme and financial support not taught everything about their In October, the Centre for Democracy for information centres can play a country’s recent history. In a personal and Reconciliation in Southeast key role in putting EU values across. discussion after the meeting, one Europe published a new set of Young Serbians should be given the student talked about the Croatian textbooks covering the period from chance to visit western European countries and see for themselves, and, now that the visa requirement has finally been lifted, they can be. What is more, the EU offers a unique example of the peaceful resolution of tensions, and tensions are certainly still present in the region. Our delegation was unanimous in wishing Serbia every success. Gisela Kallenbach Greens/EFA, Germany (2004-2009) [email protected] Meeting with university students in Serbia 28 FMA BULLETIN - 57

A STUNNING EXPERIENCE

The opportunity to talk with former the democratic character of this Members of the European Parliament institution as well as the fact that was an important and informative MEPs represent their citizens and experience for me and my colleagues not necessarily the politics of their attending to this event. It was a respective states or ruling parties. special honor to meet representatives Apart from this, the questions were of this institution who have most addressed to the group as a whole directly influenced key processes so that, as a rule, MEPs who thought evolving on our continent over the themselves called upon to answer past decades. In the course of my a specific question would reply. It studies I seldom had occasion to talk was interesting for us to hear how with decision-makers and persons persons with their experience viewed Stefan Vukojevic who have witnessed and participated the process of Serbia’s European in major political processes, so integration and the fact that we The question of Kosovo was that I considered this opportunity have a specific Chapter 35, account particularly emphasized, as a number unique indeed. being taken of the on-going process of colleagues wished to know if I was very impressed by a number of dialogue between Belgrade and recognition of its independence was of things in this interchange. The Priština. The importance was stressed a precondition for Serbia’s accession dominant impression from the of reforms under Chapters 23 and to the European Union, especially very outset was that of the candor 24 as well as generally within the bearing in mind the fact that a and openness of the MEPs. It was process, as a mechanism aimed at number of EU members have not exceptionally important for us to improving the lives and enhancing recognized this state. The prevalent know and understand that we the development potentials of answer was that what mattered the could ask them any question we primarily young people, but also of most was to honor the agreements wanted and really embark on a all other citizens of Serbia. reached in the dialogue between learning process about the significant The issue of refugees and the Belgrade and Priština. Generally, elements of today’s European manner in which the European the openness and directness of the Union and the challenges it is Union was addressing this challenge MEPs in communication on this as confronted with. were also discussed. We heard well as on all other topics was my As well, the conversation was different opinions in this regard principal impression. dynamic, with a large number of but the shared position of all Another issue that was discussed the delegation members taking an was that a common solution and was the possibility for young people active part. During the introductions a well-thought-out systematic from Serbia and the region to be we realized what a large number approach were necessary. Particularly educated and find employment of countries the MEPs came from impressive was the united stand on in the European Union, with as well as that political differences the issue of MEPs from Belgium, focus on Erasmus programs and existed among representatives The Netherlands, France, Greece, the European Voluntary Service. coming from the same state. It Cyprus and Spain, even though they Experiences were shared that will was particularly interesting to hear occupy opposite ideological positions certainly assist me in my future the views of Greek representatives in other respects. efforts at continued personal and on the economic crisis and the UK The question of sanctions against professional development. representatives perceptions of Brexit. Russia was also broached, prompting The diverse positions of the MEPs a discussion on the need for were an important lesson about aligning the foreign policies of EU Stefan Vukojevic the functioning of the European member states and on possible University student, Serbia Parliament. This patently reflected expectations from future members. stefan.vukojevich@gmail Twitter: @vukac1995