THE FUTURE OF THE BALKANS – REGIONAL COOPERATION AND INTEGRATION

JAHORINA, MAY 20 /SRNA/ - Prime Minister of Serbia Đuro Macut said today on Mount Jahorina that connectivity in the Balkans, integration, and sustainable growth in the region are crucial issues for the future of the countries in this area, emphasizing that, in the long term, the future lies in regional cooperation - both economic and infrastructural.

“We need to make use of all the comparative advantages in the region, including in Serbia and Republika Srpska. That is our reality and necessity,” said Macut, who, together with the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, took part in the central panel of the "Jahorina Economic Forum 2025" titled "Western Balkans Agenda – Growth Plan."

Macut added that energy, telecommunications, education, scientific and technological cooperation, and infrastructure projects are ideal for more versatile and effective cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska.

He emphasized the need for dialogue, peace, and stability as the key to development and sustainable, steady economic growth.

According to him, education is the foundation of society, and much more must be done in this field to train qualified personnel, without which there can be no progress in the economy or in any other aspect of social development.

"Serbia is the most democratic community in Europe, despite numerous current issues in modern Serbian society. We see dialogue and conversation as the solution to all problems. The government and citizens must maintain daily communication if they want to overcome the current challenges," Macut said.

He expressed regret over the possible loss of the academic year in Serbia.

According to him, his most recent discussions and contacts with both government and opposition representatives are yielding some results in terms of continuing and stabilizing the scientific and teaching process at universities, faculties, and secondary schools in Serbia.

Macut agreed with Dodik that there can be no socio-economic progress in any country without political stability.

The panel participants also pointed out that the development of each country should be the product and result of activities of domestic actors and forces, without negative and speculative foreign influence, which often occurs in the region.

Speaking about macroeconomic indicators, Macut said that the key plans of the government in Serbia are to maintain continuity with the work of the previous Serbian government, which includes consistent implementation of the ideas and initiatives of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, as well as the completion of numerous major infrastructure projects.

He says that VAT revenue inflows will pose a challenge for Serbia and that the actions of the blockers have negatively impacted investment inflows, economic development, and especially tourism.

Macut confirmed the new Serbian Government’s commitment to uphold the principle of accountability across all areas of social activity.

"Serbia is indeed the dominant country in the region, but it has extended a hand of cooperation to all well-intentioned partners in the region and is gradually strengthening ties with neighboring countries, including EU member states," said Serbia's Prime Minister.

He added that reforms on Serbia’s path to the EU remain a constant topic of discussion between official Belgrade and Brussels, despite ongoing conditions and certain political pressures, emphasizing that Serbia clearly wants to be part of the European family and is seriously striving to reach European standards.

According to him, it is very important for Serbia how the media will behave in the future, as they, much like society, are significantly divided.

"Serbia has a plan for the future. Serbia wants to join Europe, and 'EXPO 2027', with all its major features, is an excellent platform for that. It is a top-tier international event that will strongly propel Serbia toward even more intensive economic progress," said Serbia's Prime Minister.

For the following week, Macut announced a dynamic continuation of meetings with domestic and foreign officials under the "7 in 24" system, including a meeting with representatives of the University of Belgrade and a visit to Matica Srpska in Novi Sad.

The central panel was moderated by RTS journalist Olivera Jovićević.

The 8th Jahorina Economic Forum, the leading regional event in the field of economics, was officially opened today at the "Termag" Hotel on Mount Jahorina, under the title "Western Balkans Agenda – Growth Plan."

This year’s forum focuses on concrete strategies and steps toward sustainable development and economic transformation of the region. It brings together high-ranking officials from Republika Srpska, BiH, Serbia, and the wider region, as well as leading economists, public and private sector leaders, representatives of international organizations, and investors, intending to shape the future course of regional development together.