Commission decision of 09.06.2009 on a Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2009-2011 for Serbia.

Abstract

In line with the recommendations of the Enlargement Strategy, the key priorities in the 2008 European Partnership and the requirements of the signed Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), and the findings of the Strategy Paper and the 2008 Progress Report for Serbia, the Instrument of Pre-Accession will, from 2009-2011, focus its support for Serbia in key areas considered crucial for the fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria and the preparation of Serbia for EU membership. In addressing those key priority areas, due consideration has also been given to the major lessons learnt from the implementation and programming of the IPA, CARDS and Phare programmes, as well as identifying key risks for the successful implementation of the respective actions at the level of the sectors of interventions, specifics of the final beneficiaries or respective institutional framework. Those risks are linked inter alia to potential lack of political commitment and changing political priorities, limited absorption institutional capacity, low level of project readiness etc. The Commission will consider those risks in the programming of its assistance. Taking also into account the overall situation in Serbia, it is considered that the key areas under the first and second criteria of Component I are not only the basis for the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAp) but also crucial for further developing and stabilising Serbia by strengthening the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions, developing the civil society, as well as transposing and implementing EU standards and policies in key areas. Moreover, adequate support will be allocated under the first priority axis for the establishment of institutional structures and training of human resources for the establishment the DIS framework, which is vital for the further successful, effective and efficient management of EC funds, in particular in view of Serbia's possible candidate status. At the same time, in the aftermath of the financial crisis and the downturn in the economic outlook, a considerable amount of funds will be still allocated to the second priority axis focussing mainly on promotion of economic growth and major development projects, as well as alleviating the social impacts of privatisation and enterprise restructuring. Furthermore, actions will be financed which target employment creation by strengthening VET and the education sector in general to match the dynamic needs of the market by improving the link between schools/ universities supply and the qualifications demanded on the market.