Serbia should follow Europe 2020 strategy

BELGRADE - During its accessions talks, Serbia should follow the Europe 2020 strategy, as this would be of immense importance when assessing our country's readiness for EU membership, President of the European Movement in Serbia Vlastimir Matejic said on Wednesday, presenting the "Guide to Europe 2020".

He said at a press conference that the strategy could serve as a development framework for Serbia, which could help it alleviate uncertainty in the region when "conceiving and planning its overall growth,"

Matejic said that Serbia needs a sustainable and inclusive growth, which must be based on five objectives. The list of objectives includes a rise in employment of the population aged 20-64 from 69 percent to 75 percent, investment in research from the current 1.9 percent to 3 percent of GDP. Serbia should also aim to cut harmful gas emissions by 20 percent, increase the share of renewable energy sources to 20 percent and energy efficiency in the same amount.

"Serbia should also reduce the number of school dropouts from 15 to 10 percent," Matejic said.

"Guide to Europe 2020" has been compiled with the backing from the Fund for an Open Society and the EU Delegation to Serbia.

The guide gives an overview of the progress that Serbia has achieved in meeting the strategy's objectives, challenges facing EU member states, and challenges facing Serbia in reaching the development goals.

A special emphasis has been placed on the role and importance of local self-governments in the development and implementation of strategic goals, contained in this strategy and any other strategic document.