Bozidar Delic on Serbia and the Western Balkans: Economic Challenges, European Perspectives
Channel: IIEA
Date: 13/01/2012

About the Speech:

On 14 October 2011, Commissioner Fule presented the European Commission's Opinion on Serbia's EU membership application and stated that "on the basis of the progress achieved in reforms, co-operation with the International Court Tribunal for ex-Yugoslavia, and regional reconciliation, we have decided to recommend granting Serbia Candidate Status on the understanding that Belgrade re-engages in the dialogue with Kosovo and is moving swiftly to the implementation in good faith of agreements reached to date". He also stated that the EU proposes to open negotiations with Serbia as soon as it achieves further progress in normalising relations with Kosovo. Mr. Delic will talk about the progress of Serbia towards accession and the broader role Serbia can play in the Balkan region, including its relationship with Kosovo.

About the Speaker:

Bozidar Delic is the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia with responsibility for European Integration. As former Minister of Finance from 2001-2003, he oversaw far-reaching reforms of the economy, including a massive reduction in the budget deficit and overall debt levels of Serbia.  Before entering politics, he was a partner at McKinsey and a graduate of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where Jeffrey Sachs was his mentor.  Mr Delic is extremely popular in Serbia and is included on the list of top 100 young leaders at Davos and Forbes.