Jelko Kacin, European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia - There won't be investments until Serbia becomes rule-of-law state

(Jelko Kacin)

Until Serbia sends out a clear message that it is a rule-of-law state, there won't be foreign investments, European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Jelko Kacin said March 20th.

Kacin, who delivered a speech on "Challenges of the Western Balkans in EU Medium-Term Prospects by 2020" at a meeting of the Slovenian Business Club, pointed out that the Prosecution was the weakest point of Serbia and that the country's challenges were, primarily, the challenges of the Serbian Justice Ministry that must prepare systemic reforms.

- In order for the situation in Serbia to improve, the rule of law must be established. The prosecution is involved in racketeering and systemic corruption and as long as the prosecution awaits instructions, it represents a political institution and "the death of the rule of law".

Kacin reminded that Serbia had signed the EU accession agreement in 2008 and obtained the candidate status in 2013, adding that the new Government was expected to fully commit to reforms.

- People in Serbia are having a hard time. Attempts to avoid responsibility for the current economic situation can no longer be an option. It is clear that investments won't come from China and Russia. Real investment can only come from the West, which is why it is inevitable for Serbia to turn to the European Union, establish the rule of law and guarantee the protection of foreign investments.

Kacin voiced his expectation that Serbia would form a strong, harmonized and dedicated government that would create the preconditions right from the start of their term for key changes to be made in the years to come.

The meeting of the Slovenian Business Club was also attended by Slovenian Deputy Ambassador to Serbia Milan Predan, who said in his address that he believed in the potential of the future government for reforms, expressing his hope that it would be formed soon.

Predan also said that he expected politicians to keep their pre-election promises to improve the business environment and legal security for investors.

- The second joint session of the governments of Serbia and Slovenia will be held in September or October in Slovenia – Predan announced.

Pahor on first official visit to Serbia on May 29 and 30

The deputy Slovenian ambassador to Serbia also announced the first official visit of Slovenian President Borut Pahor to Serbia in late May.

- The president of Slovenia will be staying in Serbia on May 29 and 30. He should be accompanied by a group of businessmen who would talk about more concrete cooperation with Serbian partners, especially about their joint activities in third markets.