Programme

8.30-9 a.m. Registration of participants

9-10.30 a.m. Inaugural session

Opening remarks by Ana Milićević-Pezelj and Boško Savković, co-chairs of the EU-Serbia JCC

Current state of play in EU-Serbia relations and the accession process, including discussion on new accession methodology

  • Catherine Wendt, Head of Serbia Unit, DG NEAR, European Commission
  • H.E. Ana Hrustanović, Head of Serbia's Mission to the EU

Debate

10.30-11 a.m.  Coffee break

11 a.m.-12.30 p.m. Effects of economic and industrial reforms on the quality of life of citizens

Presentation of reports:

  • Zoran Stojiljković, Serbian member of the EU-Serbia JCC, President of the trade union "Nezavisnost"
  • Jože Smole, EESC member (Group I), Secretary-general, Association of Employers of Slovenia

Presentations by:

  • Nicholas Burge, DG Trade, European Commission: Trade policy between the European Union and Serbia; state of play, perspectives and benefits for citizens
  • Ingrid Sager, DG NEAR, European Commission,: Green Deal for the Western Balkans, potential benefits for citizens

Debate

12.30-2 p.m. Lunch

2-3.30 p.m.  Overview of the civil society situation in Serbia and rule of law

Presentation of reports:

  • Sonja Stojanović Gajić, Serbian member of the EU-Serbia JCC, Member of Executive Board of Belgrade Centre for Security Policy
  • Marina Škrabalo, EESC member (Group III), Director, SOLIDARNA – Foundation for Human Rights and Solidarity

Presentation by:

  • Alexandrina Najmowicz, Director, European Civic Forum

Debate

3.30-4.30 p.m. Adoption of the Joint Declaration

4.30 p.m.  End of the meeting