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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Gratitude to EU for its support to Serbia in fight against coronavirus

Belgrade, 29 July 2020

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic held a meeting today via video link with Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Sem Fabrizi and the ambassadors of the EU Member States regarding the current situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic and measures its prevention.

Brnabic explained that, although difficult, the epidemiological situation is improving and that the application of measures and responsible behaviour of citizens have begun to yield results.

She expressed the expectation that, with strict compliance with the instructions of the authorities, the epidemic will be brought under control in the coming days, and the medical system will be additionally relieved.

When it comes to the epidemiological situation, the Prime Minister explained that intensive preparations are underway for the fall, when a stronger wave of the virus is expected.

The Prime Minister conveyed her gratitude to all the ambassadors of the EU member states for their help and support to Serbia, and emphasized that, thanks to the Union's funds worth €15 million, great help has arrived in our country since the beginning of the epidemic.

According to her, that help included, among other things, 75 ventilators, 800,000 masks, 100 oxygen concentrators, 300 infrared thermometers, 50 monitors, 100 equipped containers for patient triage, two testing devices and 25,000 tests.

Brnabic also stated that the signing of the Agreement on additional donation with the European Union, on 15 July this year, enabled the hiring of two hundred more domestic health workers for the next six months.

According to her, this contract worth €1 million is financed from IPA 2018 and will be of great importance in strengthening the capacity of our health system.

Fabrizi pointed out that the coronavirus pandemic has changed the world a lot, and that we must learn from this experience, act in solidarity and share our own experiences in applying the measures and the results they give.

Prompt and accurate communication, full transparency and strong coordination with the EU and relevant international institutions will continue to be key to overcoming this difficult phase, he said.

The Head of the EU Delegation reaffirmed the Union's readiness to continue working closely with Serbian authorities and encouraged the full use of new mechanisms in which Serbia is now involved, such as the EU Health Committee and the EU's joint procurement agreement.

The Prime Minister and the Head of the EU Mission also exchanged views on the current political situation after the 21 June elections.

The EU ambassadors emphasised the monitoring of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights' report on election conditions, the need to ensure peaceful protests and the safety of journalists, while maintaining public order.

The issue of requests for information on money laundering, which includes the media and non-governmental organisations, was also discussed.

When it comes to information related to the activities of the Administration for the Prevention of Money Laundering, the Prime Minister pointed out that the competencies of this institution are defined by law, but also by international standards that Serbia is obliged to respect.

Brnabic pointed out that after the elections, political and physical violence took place on the streets of Belgrade and other cities in our country.

Fabrizi emphasized that the EU strongly supports Serbia on its European path and expressed the expectation that the new government will put the process of joining the Union at the centre of its program, in which the rule of law will have a special priority.

He also pointed out that the Economic and Investment Incentive Plan of the European Union, which will be presented in the fall, will enable Serbia a faster economic recovery from the consequences caused by the coronary virus pandemic.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic.