European Research Area reaches into Serbia

01 Jul 2009 | News
As Commissioner Janez Potočnik visits the country, Serbia has been welcomed into the European Research Area in advance of its accession to the EU.
Science|Business Reporting

European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnic

Serbia has been welcomed into the European Research Area (ERA) in advance of its accession to the EU. On a visit to the country this week, the European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnik, told scientists, industrialists and civil servants of the importance of increasing Serbia’s research cooperation within the ERA, and announced a special call for proposals from the Western Balkan region.

Potočnik met Božidar Đelić, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, who is responsible both for European integration and Science and Technology, to discuss the national strategy for research and its contribution to the ERA objectives. The Commissioner also had meetings with President Boris Tadić and the Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković.

“In times of crisis, building a sound and sustainable economy requires R&D investments by Serbia and the Western Balkan region,” Potocnik said. “More cooperation in science will also increase Serbia’s knowledge of EU decision-making. The integration of the country into the European Research Area is an important step in the pre-accession process for European Union membership.”

Serbia has been associated with the EU’s FP7 since January 2007, and can participate in all calls for proposals. More than 90 applicants have already obtained FP7 funding.


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