DITTMANN: Pace of joining EU depends on pace of reforms

Ambassador of Germany to Serbia Axel Dittmann pointed out yesterday that the grey economy was an important topic, not just for Serbia, but for the entire world, and added that it was something to be addressed regarding Serbia's path to the EU.

At the opening of the Third National Conference “Way Out of the Grey Economy”, Dittmann emphasized that the strategic goal of Serbia was to join EU, which is supported by Germany.

According to him, the statement that German Chancellor Angela Merkel made in Sofia and the recent visit of Vice Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel confirm this.

Dittmann underlined that Serbia itself defined the pace of joining by meeting the requirements.

One of the most important fields in which reforms are necessary to that end, he emphasized, is the rule of law. He added that Berlin supported the fact that the Serbian government has set this area as a priority.

The fight against corruption, which is related to the grey economy, is very important, Dittmann emphasized.

He pointed out that there were certain flaws in the field and said that the Anti-Corruption Agency still had vacant spots, an important issue related to the efficiency of this institution.

Germany has invested EUR 1.8 million as support in solving this issue and plenty of positive effects have been achieved. At the moment, he pointed out, the activities are focused on the operations of the public administration and the control of public finances.

Regarding Germany, the latest projections show that the the grey economy will be reduced to below 10% in 2018. He points out that this is the result of amendments to to tax laws and strong institutions and announced that Germany would continue supporting reforms in Serbia and strengthening Serbian institutions in their fight against the grey economy.

Ambasada SR Nemačke Beograd

Vlada Republike Srbije

Agencija za sprečavanje korupcije Beograd

Axel Dittmann

Way Out of the Grey Economy

Angela Merkel

Sigmar Gabriel

European integration

EU membership in the EU

rule of law

reforms in Serbia

fight against corruption

grey economy

fight against grey economy

accession of Serbia to the EU

accession of Serbia to the European Union